By Robert Mutasi 
Eldoret City woke up to a new retail experience on Monday, 3rd August 2026, as China Square officially opened its Eldoret branch at Rupa’s Mall, in a colourful opening ceremony presided over by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim.
The new branch, located at the Eldoret Depot within Rupa’s Mall along the busy Eldoret-Nakuru Highway, marks China Square’s first entry into the North Rift and its fourth major store in Kenya after Nairobi and other regions.
For months, residents have watched the giant billboard announcing “CHINA SQUARE COMING SOON” and today, hundreds turned up to witness the doors officially open.
The store’s interior is a shopper’s paradise – vast, well-lit aisles stocked with thousands of items under one roof. From Flower Art and Kitchen Ware sections displaying artificial plants, sufurias, frying pans and chafing dishes, to Home Deco with carpets, floor mats and curtains, to hardware with EMTOP power tools, tiles, bicycles, treadmills, electric children’s cars, luxury dining sets, outdoor camping furniture, toys, beauty products and suitcases, the variety is unmatched.
Impact on Local Mwananchi
For the ordinary resident of Eldoret, the biggest immediate impact will be on the cost of living.
Products that were previously considered expensive or only available in Nairobi’s Eastleigh, Kamukunji or Luthuli Avenue are now available locally at nearly half the price. A young mother who used to travel to Nairobi to buy household items can now get quality curtains, kitchenware, and children’s toys at Rupa’s Mall.
Many locals who attended the opening said they were surprised by the affordability. The store’s model of bulk importing and direct factory sourcing cuts out middlemen, allowing it to sell quality goods at low prices – a major relief at a time when many families are struggling with high living costs.
The branch has also created direct employment for over 100 youth from Eldoret who have been hired as attendants, cashiers, storekeepers and customer service staff, plus indirect jobs for security, cleaners, boda boda operators ferrying shoppers, and suppliers.
A Double-Edged Sword for Local Businesses
However, for small-scale traders in Eldoret’s CBD, particularly those along Oloo Street, Uganda Road, and the Eldoret Main Market who deal in similar household goods, utensils, and furniture, China Square’s arrival is a wake-up call.
Local business owners will now face stiff competition from a well-capitalized giant with massive economies of scale. Traders who source their goods from Nairobi at higher prices will be forced to either lower their margins, improve quality, or specialize in personalized services that a mega-store cannot offer.
“This is both a threat and a lesson. It will force our local traders to become more innovative, to offer after-sales service, credit facilities, and unique products. Those who don’t adapt will be pushed out, but those who learn will grow,” said a business leader in Eldoret.
Governor Jonathan Bii, who officiated the opening ceremony, assured local traders that the county government is not abandoning them. He said the entry of big investors should be seen as an opportunity that grows the entire pie.
“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. This landmark investment is a strong vote of confidence in our county’s growing economy,” Governor Bii said.
He added that his administration is focused on creating an enabling environment through modern infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and the smart County Service Center, which has simplified business licensing.
Ultimately, China Square’s launch will stimulate business in the region by attracting shoppers from Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega and West Pokot, boosting Eldoret’s status as the commercial capital of the North Rift. While competition will be tough, consumers stand to gain the most from better prices, more choices, and improved shopping standards.
Eldoret Leo