Kenya’s President William Ruto announced measures targeting foreign nationals engaged in small-scale trading operations within the country. The directive, issued during a meeting with small-scale traders at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday afternoon, requires foreign merchants to close their businesses beginning the following week. Ruto stated that Kenya remains receptive to foreign investment but argued that international investors should focus on creating jobs and expanding production capacity rather than competing with local traders in informal sectors.
Ruto emphasized that foreign nationals from countries such as China should not be operating as street vendors or running small retail shops. He framed the policy as necessary protection for Kenyan traders and hawkers, noting that economic improvements have not been specifically designed to attract foreign hawkers to Kenya. The president indicated plans to accelerate legislation that would legally restrict foreigners from engaging in certain business categories.
The exact number of foreign nationals involved in small-scale trading remains unclear, as does the precise scope of those who would be affected by the new policies. Kenya hosts a substantial refugee and asylum seeker population, with government data indicating approximately 857,000 registered individuals as of the end of June, of which roughly 14 percent reside in urban areas. Kenyan law recognizes refugees’ rights to work and operate businesses, provided they obtain appropriate permits.
Foreigners and regional migrants in Kenyan urban centers work across various sectors including barbershops, salons, construction, motorcycle transportation services, and retail trade in clothing, food, and household goods. Some relocated due to conflicts or economic conditions in their home countries, while others sought opportunities under the East African Community’s relatively open movement policies. The increased foreign presence has generated friction with local workers and traders who contend that newcomers compete for limited economic opportunities, though such tensions have also drawn appeals for protection of migrant populations from regional figures. The announcement comes amid broader xenophobia concerns across the African continent, including recent repatriation waves in South Africa.
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