The Kenyan government has launched a registration exercise for undocumented East African nationals living and working in the country, following widespread uncertainty among Burundians over a recent directive targeting foreigners engaged in small businesses.
Hundreds of Burundian nationals reportedly gathered at their embassy in Nairobi on Monday to obtain travel papers, amid fears that they could be forced to leave the country.
Kenyan government spokesperson Charles Owino said foreigners without the required documentation should report to their respective embassies or high commissions while authorities work with diplomatic representatives to resolve their immigration status.
He said individuals taking part in the process would be regarded as being lawfully present in Kenya while their applications were being handled.
President William Ruto had initially given foreign nationals until Monday to stop operating small-scale enterprises.
The order followed concerns from the Trade Ministry that some foreigners were using immigration arrangements to conduct commercial activities without the appropriate work authorisation.
The announcement triggered long queues at Burundi’s diplomatic mission in Nairobi after officials offered emergency travel documents at no cost to citizens wishing to return home.
Some people also rushed to secure seats on buses out of the country.
There were reports of harassment directed at some Burundians following the presidential announcement, which called for measures against foreign hawkers and small-shop operators.
Kenyan authorities have since stressed that the policy does not amount to a general prohibition on foreign-owned businesses.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Mr Owino announced a formal process to identify and document foreigners residing in Kenya without valid papers.
He acknowledged that historical ties and regional migration had resulted in many East Africans, including Burundians, living and conducting business in Kenya without complete documentation.
The government, he said, was creating a structured mechanism through which affected individuals could obtain the necessary papers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kenya’s State House said foreign business operators would be given 90 days to bring their immigration status, work authorisations, business registrations and operating licences into compliance.
Authorities warned that those requirements would be strictly applied once the grace period ended.
The government also cautioned members of the public against intimidating, threatening or assaulting foreign nationals or interfering with their enterprises.
Kenya’s senior foreign affairs official, Korir Sing’oei, apologised to Burundian citizens over incidents of harassment, saying the president’s remarks had been misinterpreted.
During a visit to Burundi’s embassy in Nairobi, Mr Sing’oei assured the community that additional security measures would be introduced in neighbourhoods where large numbers of Burundians reside.
Kenya is home to migrants from several parts of East Africa who travel there in search of employment and commercial opportunities.
The UN refugee agency estimates that approximately 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers are currently in the country, although the number involved in informal trading is unknown.
Some Burundians were seen leaving with their possessions, including luggage and mattresses.
Others said they lacked sufficient funds for transport and appealed for more time before any enforcement action was taken.
The developments come amid growing concerns about anti-immigrant attitudes in parts of Africa.
Tanzania introduced similar measures against foreign traders last year, while South Africa has also witnessed increasing hostility towards migrants.
Burundi’s Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana criticised the situation, warning that continued hostile rhetoric could affect relations between the two countries.
He said Kenya would be held responsible for the safety of Burundian citizens living within its borders.
President Ruto has defended his policy, saying Kenya remains willing to welcome overseas investors but should not allow them to compete with citizens in low-level commercial activities such as street vending and running small shops.
He argued that international investors should establish businesses capable of creating employment and increasing local production.
The comments have attracted criticism from some quarters, with opponents accusing the government of encouraging anti-foreigner sentiment.
Kenyan officials have rejected those claims.
Mr Bizimana has also called for discussions within the East African Community, a regional organisation that includes both Kenya and Burundi.
He said he had instructed Burundi’s ambassador in Nairobi to communicate the country’s concerns to Kenyan authorities and seek assurances regarding the protection of its citizens.
Alexis Ntinanirwa, who leads the Association of Burundians living in Kenya, said the community was disappointed by the presidential directive but urged its members to remain calm.
He warned that restrictions on foreign traders could have consequences beyond Kenya, pointing out that Kenyans also operate small businesses in Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda.
Mr Ntinanirwa appealed to Burundians involved in street trading and similar activities to avoid clashes with law enforcement officers while the registration process continues.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong