Burundian merchant Rodrigue Uwimana recently abandoned his business in Makongeni, near Nairobi, after operating for ten months, following a September 2, 2026, speech by Kenyan President William Ruto calling for the closure of small businesses run by foreigners. President Ruto’s address specifically targeted small businesses run by foreign nationals, prompting widespread concern and a noticeable shift in the operating environment for non-Kenyan entrepreneurs. Uwimana stated that he and other foreign vendors faced increasing pressure and threats in the wake of the speech. "We were not the only ones targeted. There were also Ugandans and others," Uwimana said, adding that "street vendors who operated along the roads or in the markets had to abandon their activities. Those who worked in shops continued but in fear." This directive led to a significant exodus, with many foreign vendors, particularly those engaged in street vending, choosing to return to their home countries.
Uwimana described a climate of intimidation, noting that "sometimes, they demand money under threat of violence. People were constantly beaten." He explained that while issues were less severe within Kenya itself for his departure, difficulties arose at the Tanzanian border for those without valid documents. "They were eager to get rid of us mainly," he commented. Uwimana noted the competitive disadvantage perceived by some Kenyans, explaining, "You know, a job that a Kenyan citizen offers for 1,000 Kenyan shillings, we can do for only 700. It may seem small, but it's more than 22,000 FBu." This economic disparity, where Burundians could offer services at a lower cost, often fueled resentment. Having returned to Burundi, his current focus is to rebuild. "My only priority right now is to rebuild here in my country with what I have saved," he stated, reflecting the immediate need for stability and economic recovery after his abrupt departure from Kenya.
Deteriorating Climate for Foreigners
Several Burundians, primarily street vendors, returned to Burundi following Kenyan President William Ruto's speech. A significant portion of Burundians residing in Nairobi had been engaged in street vending, making them particularly vulnerable to the crackdown on foreign-run small businesses. Rodrigue Uwimana stated that the atmosphere was less tense before Ruto's speech, with only minor incidents like small thefts occurring. Prior to the President's address, foreign vendors generally experienced a more tolerant, albeit occasionally challenging, environment. The climate, however, deteriorated sharply for Burundians, Ugandans, and other foreign nationals after the President's public remarks. Street vendors operating along roads or in markets were compelled to abandon their activities, often facing direct threats and harassment.
Uwimana reported instances of Gen Z youth consuming 'kahawa' without payment and demanding money under threat of violence. These incidents noted a breakdown in order and an increase in opportunistic exploitation. Some Kenyan clients also consumed merchandise without paying, further exacerbating the financial strain on foreign vendors. Aggressions by criminals and thieves reportedly led to the deaths of some Burundians, with allegations of corruption involving law enforcement, suggesting that protection for foreign nationals was inadequate or compromised. Uwimana noted the economic advantage foreigners sometimes offered, stating that Burundians could perform a job for 700 Kenyan shillings that Kenyans typically proposed for 1,000 Kenyan shillings. He noted that 700 Kenyan shillings is equivalent to over 22,000 FBu (Burundian Francs), illustrating the significant value proposition foreign vendors provided, which paradoxically became a source of contention.
Uwimana encountered few difficulties upon his return to Kenya, but faced complications at the Tanzanian border, where valid documents were required to avoid immediate imprisonment. This shows the precarious legal status many migrants face when crossing international borders without proper documentation. Factors pushing Burundians to emigrate, according to Uwimana, include poor governance within Burundi, household impoverishment, demographic pressure, and conflicts within their home country. These underlying socio-economic and political challenges in their native land often compel Burundians to seek livelihoods abroad, making them susceptible to xenophobic sentiments and policies in host countries.
Denouncing Xenophobia and Human Rights
Four Burundian civil society organizations dispatched an open letter to the President of Burundi, who also serves as the current Chairperson of the African Union. The organizations Olucome, Abuco, ONLCT 'où est ton frère ?', and Aluchoto signed the letter, which was made public on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during a press conference. The letter emphatically denounces xenophobia, stating that it threatens African unity and stability. The signatories expressed "deep concern" over a phenomenon they believe weakens African solidarity and undermines the foundational principles of regional cooperation. They also deplore situations of rejection, discrimination, and exclusion affecting Burundians not only in Kenya but also in South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, indicating a broader pattern of challenges faced by Burundian migrants across the continent.
Vianney Ndayisaba, president of Aluchoto, stated that his organization has recorded over 410 Burundians imprisoned in these countries, a stark figure that notes the severity of the issue. The civil society groups believe that commitments to free movement within the continent are insufficiently applied on the ground, leading to real-world consequences for individuals seeking economic opportunities or refuge. Gabriel Rufyiri, president of Olucome, criticized the silence of Burundian deputies at the East African Legislative Assembly regarding these issues. Rufyiri stated, "Jamais, ils ne se sont prononcés. C’est grave," expressing grave concern over the lack of advocacy from elected representatives. The four organizations plan to collaborate with continental human rights organizations if the situation is not appeased and concerned African nationals are not protected, signaling their intent to escalate the matter to higher regional and international bodies if current efforts prove insufficient.
Legal Frameworks and Free Movement
International legal instruments underpin the right to free movement, establishing a global framework for human mobility and protection. Article 13 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees the right to freedom of movement and residence within a state, as well as the right to leave any country and return to one's own. This fundamental right acknowledges the inherent human desire for mobility and the right to seek opportunities beyond national borders. This right was given binding legal force by Article 12 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which obligates signatory states to respect and ensure these freedoms. Further, the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families established global regulations for safeguarding migrant workers and their families, aiming to prevent exploitation and ensure humane treatment regardless of their immigration status.
On the African continent, the African Union's Agenda 2063 designates free movement as a fundamental pillar for regional integration and development, envisioning a continent where people can move freely to contribute to shared prosperity. Article 12 of the 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights affirms freedom of movement for any individual legally present within a state's territory, providing a continent-specific legal basis for mobility. Within the East African Community (EAC), the 2010 Protocol on the Single Market, alongside Articles 76 and 104 of the EAC Treaty, outlines principles for the free movement of people, workers, goods, and capital among member states. These frameworks collectively aim to facilitate mobility and protect individuals across borders, promoting economic integration and mutual benefit. Despite these full legal and policy frameworks at international, continental, and regional levels, the experiences of Burundian vendors in Kenya and other African nations highlight a significant gap between stated commitments and their practical implementation on the ground.