In brief
The Kenyan Trade Ministry has imposed a deadline for foreign nationals running unlicensed small businesses, declaring that visa‑free entry does not permit work. President William Ruto’s remarks framed the policy as a safeguard for Kenyan jobs, while Burundi’s foreign ministry expressed alarm at potential mistreatment of its citizens in Kenya. A government clarification later affirmed that foreigners with proper permits can continue trading, though anxieties persist. The move risks regional repercussions as Kenyan traders operate in neighboring countries and East African neighbors fear a rise in xenophobia.
Kenya’s trade ministry has warned that visa‑free entry does not entitle foreign nationals to work, and has set a deadline for those running small‑scale businesses to cease operations.
President William Ruto announced the policy today, stating that “foreigners who enter Kenya as investors or tourists must not operate businesses that compete with local traders.” He added that investors should expand production rather than compete in retail and small‑scale trade.
The move drew criticism for potentially fueling xenophobic sentiment, but government officials denied any intent to marginalise foreign traders.
Burundi’s foreign affairs minister, Edouard Bizimana, urged that Kenyan officials ensure no Burundian residents were abused in the crackdown and that “Kenyas government is responsible for the lives of Burundians living in Kenya.”
A senior Kenyan foreign‑affairs officer clarified that with proper documentation—work permits and licences—foreign traders may continue their activities. The government insisted that all East Africans are free to stay in Kenya as long as they comply with legal requirements, though the clarification may not have assuaged all concerns.
By late Sunday, the Kenyan embassy in Burundi reported offering emergency travel documents to Burundians willing to return home, foreshadowing possible expulsion or stricter checks on foreign traders.
The crackdown could reverberate across the East African Community, since Kenyan traders also operate in Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda. A head of the Association of Burundians living in Kenya cautioned that the situation could cause regional friction and urged patience and compliance with police instructions.
