Author: Nation Reporter and Correspondent
Date: January 23, 2007
Type of article: News
Source: The Daily Nation - only available online by registration and paid subscription fee

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Multinational companies have been blocked from selling their products at the World Social Forum at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

A spot check by the Nation found that only indigenous companies were allowed by organisers to sell their products.

The firms are doing roaring business with a 300ml bottle of Softa drink selling at Sh40 compared to the usual Sh10.

One of the forum organisers said the multinationals were barred because “they could interfere with our agenda.”
Speakers have accused them of exploiting poor countries by demanding favours including tax exemptions before investing, and threatening to shift to other countries if their demands were not met.

Also, traders selling clothes and artefacts said business was gradually picking up.

A clothes dealer, Ms Margaret Kamau, and a curio-dealer, Mr Simon Mwangi, urged the Government to convene similar meetings in future to boost their businesses.

At the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network stand, a small-scale farmer, Mr Francis Mwende, said the demand for bananas, mangoes and other products was high.