Kenyan President William Ruto has given foreign nationals operating small businesses in the country 90 days to regularise their status, a week after ordering foreign traders to close their shops.
The initial announcement had sparked concern among several foreign communities in Kenya, particularly after Ruto appeared to call for the closure of small businesses operated by non-Kenyans.
90-day regularisation campaign
The Kenyan government announced on Tuesday the launch of a 90-day regularisation campaign targeting foreign nationals engaged in commercial activities across the country.
The period will allow foreign traders to bring their status into compliance with immigration regulations, work permit requirements, as well as business registration and licensing rules.
Once the 90-day period expires, authorities have warned that they will “firmly” enforce existing legal requirements against those who remain non-compliant.
Concerns after Ruto’s remarks
The move comes after comments by President William Ruto on September 2, when he ordered “all foreigners operating small businesses” to close their shops before September 7.
His statement did not clearly define which businesses were concerned or distinguish between legal and illegal activities.
Ruto also defended the idea of reserving certain economic activities for Kenyan citizens as part of a bill currently being considered by Parliament.
The remarks drew criticism from legal experts and observers, who warned that such measures could fuel xenophobic sentiment. They also pointed to Kenya’s commitments within the East African Community (EAC), which provides for the free movement of citizens of member states.
Burundians react with concern
The uncertainty was particularly felt among Burundian nationals living and working in Kenya.
On Monday, several hundred Burundians reportedly went to their embassy in Nairobi seeking travel documents to return home, amid fears over the government’s announcement.
Kenyan Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Korir Sing’Oie visited the embassy to calm tensions and apologise. He had previously argued that Ruto’s remarks had been “taken out of context.”
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights also said on Tuesday that it had received reports of threats, intimidation, discrimination and online attacks targeting refugees and migrants following the president’s remarks.
The 90-day regularisation period is therefore aimed at easing the immediate uncertainty while giving foreign traders time to comply with Kenya’s legal and administrative requirements.
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