Local traders in Kisumu have raised alarm over stiff competition from their foreign rivals.
The foreigners who are said to come from the neighbouring nations have outwitted local traders, thanks to their sharp business minds, which include more flexible prices for the goods.
Said to be nationals from Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi, the group is even taking the goods to the doorsteps of residents.
Consequently, locals are now lamenting of the heightening competition, as the foreigners seem to be slowly pushing them out of business and taking over.
They now want the government to intervene and control the entrance and operations of the rival group, some of the items in question being stools, shoes, necklaces and beauty stuff.
One of them is Jackson, a Congolese shoe trader who's ays that he sneaks in the shoes from Uganda using a luxury bus, and later hawk the merchandise in clubs.
"We stay in Kenya for about three weeks and later return to Uganda for more products,” he told the Standard's Nairobian on Tuesday.
According to Kevin Movine who is the chair of Fire Hawkers Association, a Union of shoe traders, the foreigners are slowly overpowering the local traders.
Susan Vera, a stool vendor, says admits that business is good and buys a single stool at Sh100 and sell at Sh250, she has also employed six youths to hawk them on commission.
“Business is good. We are cashing in on the spirit of the East African Community that has allowed free movement of goods," she said.