Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on foreigners operating small-scale businesses, saying the country’s informal retail sector should be protected for Kenyan traders and hawkers.
Speaking to small-scale traders at State House in Nairobi, Ruto said foreign nationals involved in certain small businesses should close their operations from next week. He also pledged to fast-track legislation that would bar foreigners from participating in designated areas of trade.
Ruto stressed that Kenya remained open to foreign investment but argued that foreign investors should focus on creating jobs, expanding production and making larger investments rather than competing with Kenyans in small-scale commerce.
“It cannot be that a person comes from China or elsewhere to be a hawker or open a small shop,” Ruto said.
He added that improvements in Kenya’s economy and investment climate were intended to attract productive investments rather than encourage foreign nationals to enter small-scale trading.
The announcement comes amid growing debate over the increasing presence of African migrants in Kenya’s vast informal economy. However, it remains unclear how many foreign nationals currently operate small businesses or how many people could be affected by the proposed crackdown.
Kenya hosts a significant refugee and migrant population. Government figures show that the country had about 857,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers by the end of June, with nearly 14% living in urban areas.
Kenyan law recognises the right of refugees to work and operate businesses, provided they obtain the necessary documentation. Refugees seeking employment or wishing to engage in trade can apply for the appropriate permits.
In Nairobi and other major towns, migrants from across the region are involved in a range of economic activities, including barbering and salon services, construction, motorcycle taxi operations, street vending and the sale of clothing, food and household goods.
Many have moved to Kenya after fleeing conflict or economic hardship, while others have sought opportunities under the East African Community’s framework for the movement of people across member states.
The growing presence of foreign workers and traders has, however, generated tensions in some communities, where local traders and workers have accused migrants of competing for limited jobs and business opportunities.
In July, a video showing a Kenyan man confronting a Burundian trader in Nairobi and accusing him of taking opportunities from locals sparked widespread criticism. The incident prompted regional voices to call for the protection of Burundian nationals living in Kenya, while Kenya’s foreign ministry sought to reassure Burundians and other East Africans residing in the country.
Ruto’s latest directive could prove controversial given Kenya’s position as a major regional economic hub and its commitments to regional integration and free movement within the East African Community.
The development also comes amid wider concerns about anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of Africa. South Africa, for instance, has experienced protests targeting undocumented migrants, with some foreign nationals reporting intimidation and attacks.
Source: British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News
