By Robert Mutasi 
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim on Monday presided over the grand opening of the China Square Eldoret branch at Rupa’s Mall, terming the multi-million shilling investment a major milestone in the county’s journey to position Eldoret as the preferred destination for investment, trade, and enterprise in the region.
The highly anticipated store, which officially opened its doors today, 3rd August 2026, attracted hundreds of residents, traders, and leaders who thronged Rupa’s Mall along the Eldoret-Nakuru Highway to witness the launch ceremony.
Speaking during the opening, Governor Bii said the arrival of the retail giant in Eldoret City is a strong indicator of investor confidence in the county’s growing economy and the immense potential that comes with Eldoret’s new city status.
“Today’s opening of China Square in Eldoret City marks another significant milestone in our journey to position Eldoret as the preferred destination for investment, trade, and enterprise in the region. This landmark investment is a strong vote of confidence in our county’s growing economy and the immense potential of our city,” said Governor Bii.
The Governor noted that his administration has prioritized creating an enabling business environment to attract both local and foreign investors, a move that is now bearing fruit with the entry of big brands like China Square.
“As an administration, we are focused on creating an enabling business environment through strategic investments in modern infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and our smart County Service Center,” he added.
Governor Bii stated that the county government has invested heavily in upgrading roads within the Central Business District, improving street lighting, enhancing security, streamlining business licensing through digitization, and developing modern markets to support traders. He said these efforts have made Eldoret attractive to large-scale retailers seeking to expand beyond Nairobi.
China Square Eldoret, located at the Eldoret Depot within Rupa’s Mall, becomes the chain’s fourth major outlet in Kenya and the first in the North Rift region. The store has stocked a vast array of affordable products ranging from home décor, kitchenware, furniture, and outdoor camping gear, to electronics, hardware tools under the EMTOP brand, toys, beauty products, bicycles, fitness equipment and children’s electric cars.
The Governor said the investment will have a ripple effect on the local economy, creating direct employment for hundreds of young people from Uasin Gishu as sales staff, cashiers, loaders and managers, while also opening up indirect opportunities for transporters, suppliers, and small businesses within the mall’s ecosystem.
He further observed that the store will stimulate competition, lower the cost of living for residents by providing quality goods at affordable prices, and attract shoppers from neighbouring counties including Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Bungoma, Kakamega and West Pokot, thereby boosting business for hotels, matatus and other service providers in Eldoret.
Business leaders present at the ceremony said the Governor’s presence at the opening sends a powerful message to other potential investors that Uasin Gishu County is open for business and ready to support investments that create jobs and spur economic growth.
The launch of China Square is expected to further elevate Rupa’s Mall as the leading shopping destination in the region and solidify Eldoret’s position as the commercial capital of the North Rift.
Eldoret Leo