The Kenyan government has launched a 90-day window for foreign nationals operating businesses in the country to obtain or update the permits, licences and other documents required under Kenyan law.
The move follows growing uncertainty among immigrant communities after President William Ruto recently spoke about concerns surrounding foreign-owned small businesses.
Government spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the exercise would be conducted in coordination with foreign diplomatic missions and relevant government agencies.
He stressed that foreigners involved in business should comply with immigration, work permit, registration and licensing requirements, while warning against harassment or intimidation of foreign nationals.
The announcement has helped clarify a situation that had generated anxiety among some members of Kenya’s immigrant communities.
Hundreds of Burundians reportedly gathered at their embassy in Nairobi on Monday seeking documentation, with some reportedly considering leaving Kenya because of fears over their safety.
The concerns emerged after complaints from some Kenyan traders and small-business owners who accused foreign nationals of competing with locals for low-skilled jobs and small-scale commercial opportunities.
President Ruto said last week that he had received complaints from Kenyan business owners over the issue. He then instructed lawmakers to expand legislation under consideration by Parliament to regulate foreign participation in small businesses and determine which sectors could be reserved for Kenyans.
The comments were interpreted with concern by some foreign residents, particularly within the Burundian and Congolese communities.
One Burundian businessman, Eric Munahayo, said his business premises in a Nairobi suburb had been attacked by unidentified people. He told journalists that he had lived peacefully in the Kenyan community and had valid business licences.
Kenyan officials have since sought to reassure foreigners that the documentation exercise is not a blanket order for them to leave the country.
Mohamed said the 90-day period would provide an opportunity for foreigners to regularise their status and ensure compliance with Kenyan and East African Community rules covering the movement of people, goods, labour and services.
Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Korir Sing’oei also met Burundian citizens at their embassy in Nairobi. He apologised for what he called a misinterpretation of the president’s directive and said proper registration would help the authorities provide security to foreign residents.
“We just want to know who you are, where you live and what you do so that we can provide security even for you all,” Sing’oei said.
Burundi’s Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana has also raised concerns over what he described as hate speech directed at Burundian nationals in Kenya.
Bizimana warned that continued hostile rhetoric could have consequences for relations between Kenya and Burundi, while stressing that Kenya had a responsibility to protect Burundian citizens living in the country.
The latest development comes as Kenya attempts to balance protection of local businesses with its long-standing role as a regional economic hub that attracts workers, traders and investors from across East Africa.
