Kenya Has Not Imposed Ban on Foreign Small-Scale Traders, Mudavadi Clarifies - September 2026

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has clarified that Kenya is not imposing a blanket ban on foreign small-scale traders, describing the government's directive as regulatory to ensure compliance with the East African Community Common Market Protocol and Kenyan law. However, rights groups have warned of increasing xenophobia amid the government crackdown on foreign-owned small businesses, deeming the 90-day deadline for documentation regularization insufficient. The Public Service Commission has also criticized statements made by President William Ruto regarding foreigners, urging Kenyans to refrain from intimidating them. Meanwhile, pressure has mounted on authorities to protect foreigners after Ruto's directive for undocumented individuals to leave the country led to alleged harassment and assaults. The National Council of Churches of Kenya has strongly condemned hostility directed towards foreigners, while Kenyan artist Evans Otieno painted a large anti-xenophobia mural in Nakuru advocating for unity among African communities.