Kenya’s trade ministry has warned foreign nationals that visa‑free entry does not authorize them to work, announcing a crackdown on unlicensed micro‑enterprises operated by foreigners.
President William Ruto set a deadline for foreigners running small‑scale businesses to cease operations.
Ahead of the deadline, the Burundian embassy in Kenya said it would issue emergency travel documents for citizens wishing to return home, amid reports of mistreatment of Burundians.
It remains unclear how many overseas nationals are engaged in small‑scale trade or how many will be affected by the enforcement.
In a statement the ministry described the situation as a “deliberate misuse of visa applications by immoderate visitors”, noting that some entered Kenya as investors or tourists but later undertook business activities contrary to their declared status.
“Owing to the precocious fig of foreigners progressive successful the retail and section commercialized sectors, determination is truthful a request to align their activities and guarantee compliance with enactment licence provisions,” Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui said.
Last week Ruto said Kenya remained open to foreign investment, but it could not beryllium “that a idiosyncratic comes from China oregon elsewhere to beryllium a hawker oregon unfastened a tiny shop”. He argued that investors should create jobs and expand production rather than compete with Kenyans in tiny businesses.
Ruto’s remarks drew mixed reactions, with some critics labeling the move populist and warning it could stoke xenophobia; government officials rejected the allegation.
Burundi’s Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana wrote on X that “Kenyans successful Burundi were surviving peacefully but if the hatred code against Burundi continues things volition certainty change”. He added, “Kenya authorities is liable for the lives
Sincity Press Staff
2 hours ago 2 min read
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