The Kenyan government has given foreign nationals operating businesses or working in the country 90 days to regularise their status, amid concerns sparked by President William Ruto’s recent comments on immigrant-owned small businesses.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government’s position should not be interpreted as a ban on foreigners engaging in small-scale commercial activities.
According to Mudavadi, foreign nationals remain free to participate in Kenya’s economy as long as they meet the relevant legal requirements.
“Kenya is open to small and large-scale trade by foreign nationalities, as long as they are compliant with immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements,” he said.
The minister maintained that the government was pursuing a regulatory exercise designed to ensure compliance with Kenyan law and the East African Community Common Market Protocol rather than targeting foreigners.
The initial announcement had caused significant concern among immigrant communities, particularly Burundians working as street vendors and operating small businesses in Nairobi.
Hundreds of Burundian nationals reportedly gathered at their embassy earlier in the week as uncertainty over the government’s position grew. Some were reportedly considering returning to Burundi amid fears about their safety and ability to continue earning a living in Kenya.
The situation also prompted concerns that tensions could escalate into xenophobic violence similar to incidents experienced by foreign nationals in South Africa.
Kenyan authorities have since attempted to reassure foreign communities and clarify the scope of the policy.
The government said the 90-day period would allow foreign nationals to update or obtain the necessary immigration, work, registration and business licences required to operate legally.
Mudavadi said the government was not shutting Kenya’s doors to foreign businesses, stressing that both small- and large-scale trade remained open to foreign nationals who comply with the law.
A junior Kenyan foreign affairs minister had earlier apologised following the confusion generated by the initial announcement.
The President’s office later confirmed plans for what it described as an “orderly regularisation exercise” to establish that foreign workers and business operators have the appropriate documentation.
The government’s latest clarification is aimed at easing concerns among immigrant communities while ensuring that foreign participation in Kenya’s small-business sector complies with national and regional regulations.
