Key facts
- Kenyan President William Ruto ordered foreigners operating small businesses to cease operations by September 7.
- The directive has caused fear among foreign traders, with some returning to their home countries.
- The Burundian foreign affairs minister warned of repercussions for Kenyans abroad due to "hate speech against Burundi".
- Kenyan officials have since apologized to Burundians at their embassy and assured them of protection.
- The government has introduced a 90-day window for undocumented foreign nationals to register and comply with laws.
- President Ruto also ordered India's Tata Chemicals to leave the country over insufficient benefits to the local Maasai community.
Kenyan President William Ruto's recent directive to exclude foreign nationals from petty trade has created an atmosphere of fear and hostility for migrants in the country, prompting a diplomatic row and accusations of xenophobia. The announcement, made last week, ordered all foreign nationals operating small businesses to cease operations by September 7, stating that such jobs should be reserved for Kenyans.
Ndaikech Ali, a Burundian tuk-tuk driver in Nairobi for nine years, described the situation as "like a dog has been set loose upon us," with many foreign nationals fearing harassment and unable to work. This has led some to rush to border crossing points to leave the country, with reports of others being stranded. Families are also facing the prospect of separation, as some individuals are forced to return home, leaving behind Kenyan spouses and children.
Critics, including academic Hesbon Owilla, argue that the president's comments were poorly communicated and bound to be misinterpreted, especially by those without proper documentation. Economist Odhiambo Ramogi believes the move is too broad and could harm Kenya's economy by limiting competition. The government has since attempted to clarify the directive, offering a 90-day window for undocumented foreign nationals to register and comply with local laws. Kenyan foreign affairs official Korir Sing'Oei visited the Burundian embassy to apologize and assure protection.
In addition to the crackdown on small traders, President Ruto also ordered India's Tata Chemicals to leave the country, citing insufficient benefits to the local Maasai community. The company has been mining soda ash in Lake Magadi since 1911, amidst long-standing land and resource disputes.
The government has denied that the remarks were a populist move to stoke xenophobia, with a presidential spokesman stating that "Kenya will remain an open, secure and welcoming country." However, the actions have drawn criticism from civil society groups and ordinary Kenyans, who fear the economic and social repercussions of targeting migrants from neighboring countries.