Omanghana
Kenyan President William Ruto’s directive targeting foreign nationals operating small businesses has triggered anxiety among migrant communities and renewed debate over immigration, employment and regional integration.
Ruto instructed authorities to close small-scale businesses operated by foreign traders, arguing that activities such as hawking and petty retail should be reserved for Kenyan citizens. The government later clarified that enforcement would focus on foreign nationals operating without valid work permits and business licenses.
The president said foreign investors should concentrate on capital-intensive ventures, manufacturing and other activities capable of creating employment and adding value to Kenya’s economy instead of competing with citizens in low-entry commercial sectors.
Ruto has also directed that the proposed Local Content Bill be expanded to regulate foreign participation in small-scale trade and potentially reserve selected businesses for Kenyan citizens.
The announcement caused fear among foreign communities, particularly Burundians living and working in Nairobi. Hundreds gathered at Burundi’s embassy to seek travel documents, with some saying they wanted to return home because they feared harassment and possible violence.
There are approximately 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya, according to the United Nations refugee agency. Many earn a living through informal businesses, including selling coffee and second-hand clothing.
Reports also indicated that some Ugandans were returning home, although those claims had not been independently verified. The anxiety extended to other migrant communities from neighboring East African countries and the Horn of Africa.
Some foreign nationals said they had received threats following the president’s remarks. However, no widespread government operation to close businesses was observed in Nairobi immediately after the directive was announced.
Following criticism from civil society organizations, legal advocates and regional observers, the government announced a 90-day amnesty for undocumented foreign nationals to regularize their status.
Foreign business operators have been instructed to obtain or renew immigration documents, work permits, business registrations and operating licenses during the period. Government agencies are expected to coordinate the exercise with foreign embassies.
Presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said individuals undergoing registration would be treated as legally present during the amnesty. He added that properly documented foreign nationals would retain their right to work in sectors permitted by Kenyan law.
The government has also warned against intimidation, discrimination and attacks targeting migrants, stating that xenophobic conduct and vigilante enforcement will not be tolerated.
Despite those assurances, some migrants remain reluctant to stay. Burundians seeking assistance at their embassy said the amnesty might not protect them from hostility within the communities where they live and work.
The controversy has also raised questions about Kenya’s obligations within the East African Community, which promotes the movement of people, labor and services across member states. Critics warn that restrictions based on nationality could weaken regional cooperation and expose Kenyan traders and workers in neighboring countries to retaliatory measures.
Economists and civil society activists argue that migrant traders are being blamed for broader challenges such as unemployment, inflation, rising business costs and limited economic opportunities. They maintain that excluding foreigners from informal trade will not resolve the structural problems affecting Kenyan workers.
Supporters of the directive, however, say local traders face intense competition and deserve greater protection during a period of economic difficulty. Protests by Kenyan traders over higher import duties and business costs preceded Ruto’s announcement.
The dispute leaves the government facing the challenge of enforcing immigration and business regulations without encouraging xenophobia or undermining Kenya’s regional commitments. Much will depend on how authorities manage the 90-day registration period and whether migrant communities receive effective protection from harassment and violence.
Source: Omanghana
