The Kenyan government has granted a 90-day window for foreign nationals, including Burundians, operating small businesses to regularise their immigration, work permit, and business registration status.

• Foreign nationals have 90 days to comply with Kenyan laws regarding their business operations and immigration.
• The announcement was made by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed on Tuesday, September 8.
• The regularisation exercise will be coordinated by relevant Government agencies in consultation with embassies of affected countries.

Kenya's Government Spokesperson Charles Owino has warned against the harassment and intimidation of foreign nationals following recent immigration directives. Security agencies are instructed to protect documented foreign nationals and those undergoing registration from arbitrary mistreatment.

• Individuals found exploiting directives to promote xenophobia or mistreat regional neighbours will face legal action.
• This follows President William Ruto's directive to halt hawking by foreign nationals, which led to reports of harassment, particularly targeting Burundian and DRC nationals.
• The Government of Kenya maintains a firm policy against harassment, intimidation, and xenophobia.

Foreign traders are experiencing significant uncertainty and are being forced to close their businesses following a directive issued by President Ruto. This directive has led to widespread disruption for many foreign business owners operating in Kenya.

• The directive has resulted in the closure of numerous businesses owned by foreign traders.
• President Ruto is the key figure behind the directive.
• This situation highlights growing concerns and potential economic shifts impacting foreign investment and trade in Kenya.

Kenya's Ambassador to Burundi, Henry Wambuma, has assured Kenyan citizens residing in Burundi that their safety is guaranteed following President William Ruto's directive on foreign traders in Kenya.

• The assurance comes amidst a crackdown in Kenya targeting foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses without proper licenses.
• Ambassador Wambuma urged Kenyans in Burundi to comply with local legal and administrative requirements.
• The Kenyan government is working to correct misconceptions about President Ruto's directive, clarifying it was related to the Local Content Bill 2025 and not a general expulsion of foreign traders.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has warned the government against a sweeping crackdown on foreign traders, citing potential human rights violations. This comes after President William Ruto directed the immediate closure of businesses run by foreign nationals.

• The KNCHR has received complaints of threats, intimidation, and discrimination against refugee and migrant communities.
• The Commission emphasizes that enforcement of immigration and business laws must be lawful, fair, and non-discriminatory, adhering to the Kenyan Constitution and international obligations.
• The KNCHR urged authorities to assess cases individually and provide safeguards for vulnerable groups, warning against fueling xenophobia and vigilante action.

The Kenyan government has issued a 90-day grace period for foreign traders to regularize their immigration status and business operations before strict enforcement begins.

• Foreign traders must comply with immigration, work-permit, and business registration/licensing requirements within 90 days.
• The directive comes after concerns were raised by Kenyan traders about foreign nationals participating in small-scale businesses.
• State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed stated that this measure aims to protect economic opportunities for Kenyan citizens, particularly in the micro and small-enterprise sector.

Senator Danson Mungatana has strongly condemned reported anti-Burundi attacks in Kenya, urging swift action against those organizing such xenophobic incidents.

• Senator Mungatana called on the Ministry of Interior and security agencies, including the National Intelligence Service and National Police Service, to investigate and prosecute perpetrators.
• The condemnation follows a directive by President William Ruto targeting foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses, which had caused anxiety among Burundian traders.
• Mungatana emphasized that Kenya's Pan-African values and commitment to regional integration, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are undermined by such hostility.