The Kenyan Government has given foreign nationals operating businesses in the country 90 days to obtain or update their work permits, business licences and other required documents. Presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced the decision on Tuesday, saying State Agencies would conduct the regularisation exercise in collaboration with foreign Embassies. He warned against the harassment, intimidation or threatening of foreign business owners during the process.
The directive follows remarks by President William Ruto on foreign participation in small-scale businesses, which sparked concern among immigrant communities, particularly Burundian and Congolese nationals. Hundreds of Burundians reportedly visited their embassy in Nairobi on Monday to secure relevant documents, while some considered returning home amid fears for their safety.
President Ruto said last week that he had received complaints from Kenyan small-business operators who accused foreigners of creating unfair competition by taking menial jobs and entering sectors traditionally dominated by locals.
He subsequently directed lawmakers to expand a bill before Parliament to ensure fair foreign participation in small businesses and identify sectors that could be reserved for Kenyans.
However, Mr Mohamed clarified that the exercise was intended to ensure compliance with Kenyan immigration and business regulations, as well as East African Community rules governing the movement of goods, labour and services.
“Every person conducting business in Kenya is required to comply with applicable immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements,” he said. “Over the next 90 days, the government will conduct an orderly regularisation exercise to facilitate compliance.”
Concerns over the directive intensified after Burundian businessman Eric Munahayo said his shop on the outskirts of Nairobi had been attacked by unidentified men. Mr Munahayo said he had lived peacefully with Kenyans, considered himself part of the community and possessed the required licences.
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, visited Burundian nationals at their embassy in Nairobi on Monday and apologised for what he described as a misrepresentation of the President’s directive. He said the registration exercise would also help the authorities identify foreign residents and provide them with adequate security.
Burundi has not issued an official response. However, Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana warned that continued threats against Burundians in Kenya could affect the peaceful treatment of Kenyans living in Burundi. He also urged the Kenyan government to protect the lives and property of Burundian nationals.