Kenya’s president announced last week that all foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses must cease operations by 7 September, citing a need to reserve such positions for local workers. The directive, made during remarks to Kenyan traders at state house, coincided with proposed legislation to exclude foreign nationals from petty trade and mandate local sourcing of certain materials.
The announcement prompted widespread alarm among migrants from neighboring nations, particularly Burundians, who report experiencing harassment and threats following the president’s statement. Many rushed to border crossings to leave the country, while others queued at embassies seeking travel documents. Foreign nationals working as tuk-tuk drivers, barbers, salon operators, street vendors, and in construction describe losing their livelihoods and facing pressure to depart, affecting mixed-status families and leaving some spouses and children behind. Within the East African Community regional bloc, which permits relative free movement among its eight member states, employment and residence legally require permits, though many migrants lack proper documentation.
The crackdown sparked a diplomatic incident, with Burundi’s foreign affairs minister warning of potential repercussions for Kenyans abroad, and prompted Kenya’s foreign affairs office to visit the Burundian embassy to apologize and assure protection from violence. Government officials subsequently clarified the directive, extending a 90-day window for undocumented foreign nationals to register and comply with local laws, with those registering presumed to be living legally during the process.
Observers questioned the communication strategy surrounding the announcement, noting that the president’s remarks were likely misinterpreted by those without proper documentation as an outright expulsion order. Critics argued the approach risked stoking xenophobia, though the government denied such intent. The president also ordered India’s Tata Chemicals to cease operations at Lake Magadi, claiming insufficient benefits to the local Maasai community despite decades of soda ash mining at the site.
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