Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i officially opened Uni City Mall, which hosts the controversial China Square, in 2016.
The mall, owned by Kenyatta University along Thika Road, was the topic of discussion for the better part of the last week after China Square announced its temporary closure on February 26.
While Matiang'i served as the Education CS, he lauded the former KU Vice Chancellor Olive Mugenda for the idea to transform the University and introduce another stream of revenue for the academic giant.
"It is truly creative, not just in design and construction but also in the originality of ideas," the ex-CS stated.
In addition, Matiang'i noted that the idea was an innovative approach to bridging financing gaps to cater to teaching and research at KU.
"Unveiling of the facility is in line with the University's approach to have a third revenue stream besides funding from the government and tuition fees paid by students.
"The idea of providing the University students with opportunities for internship in the facilities is quite noble because that is where the students will cultivate a working culture that will be instrumental for their current and future undertakings," he explained.
Furthermore, Matiang'i foresaw that the mall will enhance the status of Kenyatta University as a leading entrepreneurial institution of higher learning in the region.
According to the former CS, the mall will contribute to the increased participation by the University towards the realisation of Kenya Vision 2023 which recognises quality education and training as being fundamental to development.
The former CS was later awarded a painting of a cheetah that was presented to him by the VC.
On February 25, Trade CS Moses Kuria questioned why Matiang'i issued permits to China Square at the mall and hinted at initiating the process to establish Kenya Square whiich will sell Kenyan-made goods.
"Strictly for products produced in Kenya. Book your stall now, hustler traders only have 17 acres of space available for rent," Kuria announced on Thursday, March 2.
Matiang'i is yet to respond to the allegations.
