NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has granted foreign nationals operating businesses in Kenya 90 days to regularise their immigration status, work permits, registrations and licences before strict enforcement begins.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, State House said the exercise would be conducted in an orderly manner and coordinated by relevant government agencies in consultation with foreign embassies.
The government said affected traders would receive clear guidance and a structured opportunity to comply with Kenyan law.
“At the conclusion of the 90-day regularisation period, immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements will be enforced firmly and strictly in accordance with the law and due process,” State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said.
The announcement follows President William Ruto’s meeting with Kenyan traders who raised concerns about the growing participation of foreign nationals in small-scale businesses and informal trade.
According to State House, Ruto reaffirmed the government’s responsibility to protect and expand economic opportunities for Kenyans, particularly in the micro and small-enterprise sector.
The President also affirmed the government’s obligation to safeguard the rights of foreign nationals who are legally living, working, investing or conducting business in Kenya.
Ruto has directed that the Local Content Bill, 2025, which is currently before Parliament, be expanded to establish rules governing participation in small-scale trade.
The proposed framework will identify categories of economic activities that may be reserved for Kenyan citizens while providing legal certainty and protection for foreigners authorised to work, invest and conduct business in the country.
State House said the government would pursue the two objectives in line with the Constitution, Kenyan law and the country’s international obligations.
It also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the East African Community, regional integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“We will continue to facilitate the movement of people, labour, services and capital in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks,” the statement said.
The government warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands by targeting foreign traders or their businesses.
It said the interpretation and enforcement of immigration, labour, licensing and business laws were the exclusive responsibility of authorised state agencies.
“No individual or group has the authority to harass, intimidate, threaten or interfere with foreign nationals or their businesses,” Mohamed said.
“Any person who engages in such conduct will face firm action in accordance with the law.”
The warning follows reports of fear and uncertainty among foreign traders after Ruto directed authorities to act against foreigners operating small retail businesses and engaging in hawking.
Hundreds of Burundian nationals subsequently gathered at their embassy in Nairobi seeking consular assistance and travel documents.
The government said economic concerns could not be used to justify discrimination, lawlessness or violence.
“Kenya will remain an open, secure and welcoming country, protecting opportunities for its citizens, safeguarding the rights of all persons lawfully within its borders, welcoming legitimate investment and enterprise, and faithfully honouring its regional, continental and international obligations,” State House said.
