Kenyan President William Ruto has directed authorities to stop foreign nationals from running small-scale businesses, arguing that local traders and street vendors must be given greater protection.
The directive comes as concerns grow over the participation of migrants from across Africa in Kenya’s informal economy.
Speaking to small-business operators at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, President Ruto said foreign nationals engaged in petty trading would be required to shut down their operations from next week.
He also announced plans to accelerate legislation that would reserve certain categories of businesses exclusively for Kenyan citizens.
The president stressed that Kenya would continue to welcome international investors, but said foreign companies and entrepreneurs should focus on creating employment and increasing production instead of competing with locals in small-scale commerce.
He specifically mentioned Chinese nationals, saying foreigners should not travel to Kenya to operate roadside stalls or small shops.
President Ruto said his administration had worked to strengthen the economy and attract investment, arguing that such efforts were not intended to encourage foreigners to enter the country as hawkers.
The government has not disclosed the number of foreign nationals currently involved in small-scale commerce, making it difficult to determine how many people could be affected by the proposed measures.
Kenya is home to a significant refugee population, with many people living and working outside designated camps.
Official figures indicate that approximately 857,000 refugees and asylum seekers were registered in the country by the end of June.
Nearly 14% of them were residing in urban centres.
Kenyan regulations permit refugees to work and establish businesses, provided they secure the necessary authorisation.
Those seeking employment or wishing to run commercial activities can apply for a special permit.
Across Nairobi and other major cities, migrants from neighbouring countries are active in sectors including hairdressing, construction, motorcycle transport and street trading.
Some also sell clothing, prepared food and domestic products.
Many migrants have left their home countries because of conflict or financial difficulties, while others have relocated to Kenya in search of employment and business opportunities.
Movement between member states is also relatively easy within the East African Community, which currently comprises eight countries.
The increasing number of foreign traders and workers has occasionally triggered friction with Kenyan citizens, particularly those who believe migrants are taking away limited employment and commercial opportunities.
Tensions escalated in July after footage emerged showing a Kenyan man confronting a Burundian trader in Nairobi and accusing him of depriving locals of business opportunities.
The incident generated widespread condemnation and prompted Fred Ngoga, a Burundian specialist in regional conflict prevention, to call for greater protection for Burundian nationals in Kenya.
Kenya’s foreign ministry subsequently moved to reassure Burundians and other East African nationals residing in the country that they remained welcome.
President Ruto’s announcement is expected to generate debate because Kenya is regarded as one of East Africa’s major commercial centres and a key destination for migrants from across the region.
The development also comes against the backdrop of increasing concerns over hostility towards foreigners in other parts of Africa.
South Africa, for instance, has witnessed demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants this year, while tens of thousands of foreign nationals have voluntarily returned to their home countries amid reports of intimidation and attacks.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong