NAIROBI, Kenya — Hundreds of Burundian nationals living in Kenya have flocked to the Embassy of Burundi and cyber cafés in Nairobi to process and update their travel and immigration documentation amid heightened debate over foreign nationals working and conducting business in the country.
A spot check by Ynews.digital on Monday showed hundreds of Burundians at the Embassy of Burundi along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi, seeking consular services.
The development comes after reports that the embassy had begun issuing emergency travel documents to Burundian nationals unable to use their passports.
However, an embassy official said the exercise was part of routine consular services and was not linked to the current debate over foreign nationals in Kenya.
Burundi embassy says documentation is routine
Speaking on Monday morning, the embassy source said Burundian nationals regularly receive travel and other consular documents from the mission when their existing documents have expired or are unavailable.
“It is not because of the current situation. We do this daily; we give prerequisite travel documents to those who do not have them, or those who have expired documents. We give consular services for those whose documents have expired,” the official said.
The explanation suggests that the presence of large numbers of Burundian nationals at the embassy should not, on its own, be interpreted as evidence of an organised departure from Kenya.
Emergency or replacement travel documentation is among the consular services available to citizens who may not have valid passports or other travel documents.
Burundians also visit cyber cafés
Away from the embassy, a number of Burundian nationals also visited cyber cafés in Nairobi to process documentation.
At a cyber café along Dennis Pritt Road on Monday morning, several Burundians were seen lining up while carrying identification cards, passports and other permits.
One Burundian national, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had been asked to obtain the necessary documentation in preparation for possible travel back home.
The individual said they were processing their documents in readiness for possible travel.
The account could not independently establish how many people intend to leave Kenya or whether any organised repatriation exercise is underway.
The presence of Burundian nationals processing documents therefore comes against a backdrop of uncertainty over how the government’s position on foreign workers and traders could affect East African nationals living and working in Kenya.
Ruto’s remarks spark debate over foreign nationals
The documentation activity follows remarks by President William Ruto warning against foreign small-scale traders operating illegally in Kenya.
The President’s comments have generated debate among foreign nationals and their communities, particularly over the distinction between undocumented workers or traders and those who have valid permits and licences.
The government has subsequently sought to clarify that foreign nationals who comply with Kenyan laws remain entitled to operate in the country.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said on Sunday that the President’s remarks had been taken out of context.
Foreign traders with documents are protected
Sing’oei said Kenya remains open to both small- and large-scale trade by foreign nationals provided they have the required documentation and approvals.
“We assure that small or large traders & employees of all nationalities, with requisite documentation — work permits & licenses — are legally protected to operate in Kenya,” Sing’oei said.
He further reassured East African nationals that compliance with Kenyan law remains the key requirement for living, working or conducting business in the country.
“Burundian nationals and all East Africans — and Africans for that matter — are free to live in Kenya as long as they conduct their businesses or work according to the requirements of our law,” he added.
The statement is significant for Burundian nationals because Burundi and Kenya are both members of the East African Community, whose integration framework provides for greater movement of people, workers and businesses within the region, subject to applicable rules.
Documentation becomes central issue
The rush to process documents has placed renewed attention on the importance of valid passports, work permits, business licences and other approvals for foreign nationals living and working in Kenya.
For Burundian nationals who already have valid documentation, Sing’oei’s statement provides reassurance that they can continue to live and operate in Kenya provided they comply with Kenyan law.
For those whose documents have expired or who lack the necessary permits, the government’s position indicates that compliance with immigration and labour requirements remains essential.
