Kenya Targets Foreign Small‑Business Traders Amid Visa Abuse Crackdown
Kenya’s trade ministry has warned foreigners that visa‑free entry does not grant them the right to work, pledging to shut down unlicensed small businesses run by non‑Kenyan nationals. President William Ruto set today a deadline for such traders to cease operations, citing an increase in “deliberate misuse of visa applications.”
The ministry’s statement highlighted that many visitors arrive as investors or tourists but then engage in retail and local trade without the required work permits. “Owing to the high number of foreigners involved in the retail and local trade sectors, there is a need to align their activities and ensure compliance with work permit provisions,” Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui said.
Ruto argued that investors should create jobs and expand production rather than compete with Kenyans in small businesses.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. Some critics label the move as a populist tactic that risks stoking xenophobia, while government officials deny that charges. Burundi’s Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana responded on social media, warning that continued hate speech could lead to a shift in the lives of Burundians in Kenya and beyond.
Amid growing tension, Burundi’s embassy in Nairobi offered free emergency travel documents to its citizens wishing to return home. The embassy also arranged a meeting with representatives of the East African Community, an eight‑member bloc that promotes regional economic integration.
Kenyan officials confirmed that foreign nationals with valid work permits and licences may continue their activities. Permanent Secretary Korir Sing"'ei stated, “Burundian nationals and all East Africans are free to live in Kenya as long as they conduct their businesses or work according to the requirements of our laws.” However, the clarification was insufficient to calm concerns among some traders.
Alexis Ntinanirwa, head of the Association of Burundians living in Kenya, called the decision “unacceptable” but urged Patience among Burundians. He warned that the issue could affect not only Burundians working in Kenya but also Kenyans running similar businesses in neighboring countries.
Additional reporting by Akisa Wandera and Prime Ndikumagenge.
