Kenyan President William Ruto on September 2, 2026, ordered the closure of small businesses and street vending activities operated by foreigners, a directive that has caused significant concern among migrant communities. The order, which affects various informal sector traders, was issued by the president, who stated that enforcement would begin the following week. "À partir de la semaine prochaine, tous les commerçants qui exercent ces petits métiers devront cesser leurs activités," President William Ruto declared. This move targets non-citizens engaged in small-scale commerce across the country, potentially impacting thousands of individuals and families who rely on these activities for their livelihoods. The directive has sent ripples of anxiety through the foreign national population in Kenya, particularly those without formal employment or business registration.
Directive Targets Foreign Entrepreneurs
Burundians in Kenya are active across several informal sector segments. Their economic activities include construction, operating beauty salons, managing small shops, and running restaurants. Many also engage in street vending, provide security services, and work in domestic roles. Additionally, some Burundians serve as motorcycle and tricycle taxi drivers, contributing to the transport sector within various communities. These diverse economic contributions highlight the integral role Burundian nationals play in Kenya's informal economy, providing essential services and goods to local populations. The directive to close these foreign-operated businesses therefore threatens to disrupt not only the lives of the entrepreneurs but also the communities they serve.
Community Seeks Embassy Assistance
Hundreds of Burundian nationals gathered at the Burundi Embassy in Nairobi on September 7, 2026, seeking travel documents. The gathering occurred amid heightened concerns following President William Ruto's directive to close foreign-operated businesses in the informal sector. Approximately 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers currently reside in Kenya, according to data compiled by the United Nations. This significant number shows the potential scale of the impact of the directive on the Burundian community. The community's request for travel documents suggests a potential desire to leave Kenya or formalize their status as the enforcement of the directive looms, indicating a scramble for solutions in the face of uncertainty. The gathering at the embassy reflected the urgency and collective apprehension felt by many.
Authorities Offer Regularization Window
Kenyan authorities have provided a 90-day window for foreigners impacted by the directive to regularize their status. This period allows affected individuals to secure necessary work permits, update their migration status, register their businesses, and obtain commercial licenses. This regularization opportunity directly addresses the concerns of non-citizens operating in the informal sector following President William Ruto's order to close their enterprises. The 90-day timeframe is intended to facilitate compliance with national regulations for those wishing to continue their activities in Kenya, offering a pathway for foreign entrepreneurs to align their operations with legal requirements, thereby mitigating the immediate threat of expulsion. The government's decision to offer this window suggests an acknowledgment of the need for a structured approach to enforce the new policy, providing a temporary reprieve and a chance for compliance.
Rights Groups Denounce Measure
Three Burundian human rights organizations have denounced the directive and called for dialogue. The National Observatory for the Fight Against Corruption and Economic Malpractice (ONLCT), the African Leadership for Civic and Human Rights in Togo (ALUCHOTO), and the Burundian League for Human Rights ITEKA (Ligue burundaise des droits de l'homme ITEKA) have collectively expressed strong opposition to the Kenyan government's measure. Their denouncement notes concerns regarding the potential adverse impact on Burundian nationals and emphasizes the need for constructive engagement between authorities and affected communities. The groups urged dialogue to find a resolution that respects the rights and livelihoods of foreign informal sector workers, advocating for a more humane and inclusive approach. They argue that such a broad directive could lead to significant hardship and displacement if not carefully managed through consultation and understanding.
