Kenyan President William Ruto established Monday as a deadline for foreign nationals operating unregistered small-scale businesses to halt their activities, citing concerns that some migrants exploited visa regulations to work without required permits. The directive triggered a significant exodus of Burundian traders seeking to depart Kenya, with long queues forming at Burundi’s embassy in Nairobi as citizens applied for emergency travel documents and rushed to purchase transportation.
Kenya’s trade ministry characterized the situation as involving deliberate misuse of visa applications by individuals who entered the country as investors or tourists but engaged in commercial activities outside their declared purpose. According to the United Nations refugee agency, approximately 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers reside in Kenya, though the exact number involved in small-scale trading and potentially affected by the enforcement action remains unclear. Some departing Burundians carried their possessions including suitcases and mattresses while attempting to leave, though certain individuals reported financial constraints and called on the Kenyan government to extend the deadline.
Burundi’s Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana raised concerns through diplomatic channels, holding urgent discussions with East African Community representatives and directing the Kenyan ambassador to communicate his government’s objections. He emphasized Kenya’s responsibility regarding Burundian nationals’ safety and warned of potential reciprocal measures if criticism of Burundi continued. President Ruto defended the policy by stating that while Kenya welcomed foreign investment, it could not permit foreign nationals to operate small commercial ventures that competed with Kenyans.
The government action sparked divided responses, with critics characterizing it as a populist measure that risked fostering xenophobia, though officials rejected such characterizations. A senior Kenyan foreign affairs ministry official subsequently clarified that foreign nationals possessing proper documentation, including work permits and licenses, could lawfully continue their activities. Despite this clarification, concerns persisted among foreign traders, with the Association of Burundians in Kenya urging citizens to remain patient while warning of potential broader regional consequences, given that Kenyans also operate small businesses in other East African nations. Police warned against targeting foreign nationals, while some expressed fear for their safety.
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