The Kenyan government has given foreign nationals operating businesses in the country 90 days to regularize their immigration, work permit, registration and business licensing status, following recent remarks by President William Ruto that triggered concern among immigrant communities.
The government says the exercise is intended to bring foreign-owned businesses into compliance with Kenyan and East African laws while protecting economic opportunities for Kenyan citizens.
The announcement follows Ruto’s recent comments about the growing involvement of foreign nationals in small-scale trade and informal businesses. His remarks sparked anxiety among immigrant communities, particularly Burundian and Congolese nationals, some of whom sought assistance from their embassies or considered returning home amid fears of harassment or possible expulsion.
Under the 90-day regularization process, foreign business operators will have an opportunity to obtain or update required documentation, including work permits and business licenses. Government agencies are expected to work with foreign embassies during the process.
Government spokesperson Charles Owino said the measures are aimed at regulating small-scale retail and informal trade while protecting local livelihoods and vulnerable sectors of Kenya’s economy. The government has also linked the initiative to the proposed Local Content Bill, 2025, which seeks to establish rules governing foreign participation in certain areas of the economy.
Ruto has directed lawmakers to expand the proposed legislation to address foreign participation in small businesses and potentially identify sectors that could be reserved for Kenyan citizens. The move follows complaints from Kenyan traders who say foreign participation is creating unfair competition in parts of the micro and small-enterprise sector.
The government has nevertheless sought to reassure foreign nationals that lawful residents and properly documented business operators will be protected. Presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed warned against threats, harassment and intimidation of foreign businesspeople.
The developments have already had an impact on immigrant communities. Hundreds of Burundians gathered at their embassy in Nairobi seeking travel documents, with some saying they feared for their safety and were considering returning home despite the government’s regularization initiative.
Kenya hosts thousands of Burundian refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom are involved in small-scale trade. Critics have argued that the government’s tougher stance risks fueling anti-immigrant sentiment, while officials maintain that the objective is to ensure legal compliance and protect economic opportunities for Kenyans.
The 90-day deadline therefore represents an attempt by the Kenyan government to balance immigration enforcement, local economic protection and the rights of foreign residents amid growing political and economic tensions.
Swifteradio.com
