Nairobi — China Square yesterday extended its Kenyan operations closure, citing public safety concerns.

The decision came after Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria issued a deportation warning to the owner of the business, Lei Cheng.

Kuria also sought to help the Chinese investor to set up a factory in Kenya.

Affordable products at the facility, Kuria warned, were harming local traders, whose businesses would suffer as a result of low prices.

The mall dominated the social media space over the weekend, with a section of Kenyans praising Kuria for the bold move while others terming it antibusiness.

China Square was opened on January 29, attracting a huge number of customers for its affordable clothes, electronics, and household items, threatening local businesses.

Its closure comes at a time when President William Ruto's administration is looking to attract investors to the country.

The unilateral move, however, will discourage other investors from investing in the country out of fear of government's erratic decisions.