Africa-Press. The Kenyan government has offered a temporary amnesty for unregistered East African citizens after hundreds of Burundians flocked to their embassy in Nairobi to obtain travel documents, fearing a crackdown targeting foreign traders operating small businesses.
Last week, Kenyan President William Ruto called on authorities to shut down all small businesses run by foreign traders starting Monday, following a meeting with Kenyan traders protesting tax reforms.
This decision, which the Kenyan Ministry of Trade stated applies to foreigners working without work permits, caused chaos outside the Burundian embassy, where some Burundians reported receiving threats from their neighbors since Ruto’s remarks.
No signs of a crackdown have appeared in Nairobi, and a spokesperson for Ruto’s administration later stated that the government adopts a policy of “zero tolerance for any form of harassment, intimidation, or xenophobia,” urging undocumented citizens from other East African countries, specifically Burundi, to register officially at their embassies.
The spokesperson said in a statement: “During this designated registration period, all individuals subject to registration will be assumed to be legally present in the Republic of Kenya. This period aims to bring our brothers and sisters out of the margins and ensure they receive healthcare, banking services, and legal protection without fear.”
They added: “This administrative measure will be implemented in close coordination with our regional partners.”
It is noted that there are approximately 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Many of them operate small businesses in Nairobi, selling goods such as coffee and second-hand clothes. Crowds of young people, carrying their bags and various belongings, lined up in long queues outside the Burundian embassy in Nairobi on Monday morning.
Critics have accused Ruto of blaming foreigners for the economic difficulties facing the country, as the presidential election approaches next year, where he is expected to run for a second term.
Last Thursday, Ruto ordered the Indian company Tata Chemicals to cease its operations in Kenya, justifying that its presence had not benefited the country. Tata Chemicals stated that it respects the authority of the Kenyan government and reaffirms its commitment to constructive dialogue.
