Chinese nationals trading at the famous Gikomba market will be deported on Wednesday (today) to their native because they do not have permits for such business, Dr Fred Matiang'i has said.

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Last week, Kenyans on social media questioned continued encroachment by Chinese nationals in local trade, with some raising fears that the country could lose her sovereignty.

Speaking in Nakuru on Wednesday, Matiang'i said Kenya does not have laws supporting foreigners to engage in hawking  and local trading.

“It is illegal for foreigners to engage in local trading in Kenya. We do not have a classification of foreign traders coming to Kenya to do hawking or local trading," he said.

The firebrand Interior Cabinet Secretary said those affected will be deported tonight, adding that they will take supper in Beijing on Thursday.

"We will escort them to the airport, bid them bye and ensure they have their dinner at their countries by tomorrow evening,” said Dr Matiang'i.

Last year, Dr Matiang'i had warned foreigners living in Kenya without work permit. Also, he said those who will be given permit are the ones doing technical jobs that Kenyans cannot do.

Currently, hundreds of Chinese nationals are engaged in  construction of Standard Gauge Railway from Nairobi to Naivasha. It's not clear how he intends to execute the order.