Africa-Press. Kenya has granted foreign traders a 90-day grace period to regularize their status, just days after issuing an order to close their shops on short notice; a move that has caused panic among some foreign communities.
On September 2, during a meeting with Kenyan traders who had recently protested against the tax burdens they face, President William Ruto ordered “all foreigners operating small businesses to close” by Monday, September 7. The president did not specify the size of the targeted businesses or whether the decision includes those legally registered.
The head of state also indicated plans to restrict certain economic activities to Kenyans only under a bill currently before Parliament; the legislation aims to require foreign companies operating in Kenya to prioritize local suppliers and employees.
These statements have raised concerns among observers – particularly legal experts – who fear a backlash against foreigners and criticized the measure as discriminatory. They argued that it violates Kenya’s legal obligations as a member of the East African Community (EAC), which guarantees the free movement of citizens among member states.
On Monday, hundreds of Burundians – whose country is also part of the East African Community – flocked to their small embassy in Nairobi to obtain permits allowing them to return home. Courier Singh Owi, the second official in the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had to visit the site to calm the situation and offer an apology.
Owi had previously confirmed that Ruto’s statements had been “taken out of context.” The government announced in a statement the launch of a “regularization campaign” lasting 90 days, aimed at allowing foreign traders in Kenya to “bring their residency and business operations into compliance with the law.”
The government stated that “anyone conducting business in Kenya is required to comply with existing regulations regarding immigration, work permits, registration, and licensing,” warning that it will “enforce legal obligations rigorously” once the 90-day regularization period ends.
The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) – an independent public institution – reported that it has received complaints from refugees and migrants residing in Kenya, indicating that they have faced threats, intimidation, discriminatory treatment, or online attacks following Ruto’s statements.
