Kenya has clarified that it is not imposing a ban on foreign small-scale traders. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stated that the government's directive is regulatory, aiming to ensure compliance with the East African Community Common Market Protocol and Kenyan law.

• Foreign traders have been given 90 days to regularize their immigration and business operations.
• The clarification was made by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi.
• The move follows a directive from President William Ruto concerning foreign nationals in small-scale businesses and informal retail.

Nigeria has reassured its citizens in Kenya following a directive by President William Ruto targeting foreigners operating small-scale businesses. The crackdown, effective September 7, 2026, prompted concerns among foreign nationals about potential business disruption and harassment.

• The Nigerian High Commissioner to Kenya, Danlami Ibrahim, stated that Nigerians have no immediate cause for alarm as the policy is not specifically targeting them.
• The Kenyan government has offered a 90-day window for undocumented East African nationals to regularise their status.
• The directive aims to prevent foreigners from competing with Kenyans in small-scale businesses like hawking and petty retail.

Kenyan rights groups are voicing alarm over increasing xenophobia amid a government crackdown on foreign-owned small businesses, deeming the 90-day deadline for documentation regularization insufficient.

• The crackdown targets foreign traders operating small businesses in Kenya.
• Concerned parties include various Kenyan rights groups.
• The groups argue the 90-day window is an inadequate timeframe for compliance, suggesting it fuels xenophobic sentiments.

Kenyan authorities are under pressure to protect foreigners after President William Ruto's directive for undocumented individuals to leave the country has led to alleged harassment and assaults.

• At least two cases of assault have been reported, including an attack on a Burundian national in Kawangware and a Congolese trader in Njiru.
• The Nairobi Regional Commander Issa Mohamud stated that enforcement of immigration laws is the responsibility of government agencies, not private individuals, and warned against intimidation and extortion.
• The government has given foreign nationals 90 days to regularize their immigration status and business operations.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has criticized statements made by President William Ruto regarding foreigners, urging Kenyans to refrain from intimidating them.

• The PSC issued a directive advising Kenyans against intimidating foreign nationals.
• The main parties involved are the Public Service Commission (PSC) and President William Ruto.
• The statement calls for a comprehensive guideline on interactions with foreign visitors to ensure a welcoming environment.

Kenyan artist Evans Otieno has painted a large anti-xenophobia mural in Nakuru, advocating for unity among African communities amidst rising fears among foreign nationals.

• The mural is a powerful visual statement against xenophobia and a call for solidarity.
• Key figure: Evans Otieno, a Kenyan artist.
• The artwork aims to foster unity as concerns grow for foreign nationals following a government initiative targeting undocumented traders.

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has strongly condemned hostility directed towards foreigners in the country.

• The NCCK stated that invading businesses owned by foreign nationals is a grave offense.
• Key organization involved: National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK)
• Notable detail: The condemnation specifically targets attacks on businesses owned by foreign nationals.

Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has defended President William Ruto's directive concerning foreign nationals operating informal businesses.

• The order aims to protect vulnerable sectors of the Kenyan economy.
• Key figure: Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
• Context: The directive is intended to safeguard local businesses from unfair competition.