Government Defends Ruto Directive on Foreign Traders - September 2026

The Kenyan government is defending a directive issued by President Ruto that prohibits foreign traders from operating small businesses within the country. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has defended President Ruto's directive requiring foreign traders in Kenya to regularise their operations. This comes as businessman Suleiman Shahbal challenges Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, with UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar publicly supporting Shahbal and rejecting political zoning or deals that would ask aspirants to step aside for the incumbent.