The Kenyan government has given foreign nationals operating businesses in the country a 90-day window to regularise their immigration and business documents.
The directive requires foreigners conducting business activities to obtain or update the necessary documentation, including immigration papers, work permits, business registrations and relevant licences.
The government says the exercise is intended to ensure that foreign nationals conducting business in Kenya comply with the country’s laws and regulations governing immigration, employment and commercial activities.
The announcement follows recent remarks by President William Ruto concerning foreign-owned small businesses in Kenya. His comments generated anxiety among some immigrant communities, particularly nationals from neighbouring East African countries.
Ruto had directed authorities to address concerns from Kenyan small-business operators who claimed that foreign nationals were increasingly competing with locals in certain areas of small-scale trade.
The development has particularly affected members of the Burundian and Congolese communities, with some foreign nationals expressing fears about their safety and future in the country.
Hundreds of Burundians reportedly went to their embassy in Nairobi seeking assistance with documentation, while some said they were considering returning home amid concerns over the situation.
Kenyan authorities, however, have sought to reassure foreign nationals that the 90-day exercise is not intended to intimidate, harass or expel foreigners who are lawfully conducting business in the country.
Presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said government agencies would work with foreign embassies during the regularisation process. He also warned against threats, harassment and intimidation of foreign business operators.
The government has emphasised that foreigners who are legally registered and meet the relevant requirements will continue to have their rights protected.
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Korir Sing’oei also visited Burundian nationals at their embassy in Nairobi amid the concerns. He reportedly apologised for what he described as a misunderstanding surrounding the president’s directive and said the regularisation process was also aimed at improving the security of foreign residents.
The Kenyan government has also warned that enforcement measures could follow after the 90-day period for those who fail to regularise their status.
The situation has generated wider debate about the role of foreign nationals in Kenya’s economy, particularly in small-scale businesses. Supporters of the government’s position argue that local entrepreneurs should have greater opportunities, while critics have raised concerns about the possibility of discrimination against immigrants.
For now, foreign nationals operating businesses in Kenya have been given three months to ensure that their immigration and commercial documents are in order.
The government has also reiterated that xenophobia, violence and discrimination against foreigners will not be tolerated during the process.
Source: Thepressradio.com
