No blanket ban on foreigners engaged in small businesses – Kenya

The Kenyan government says it has not imposed a blanket ban on foreign nationals engaged in small-scale businesses in the country.

Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, on Friday said foreign nationals were free to engage in commercial activities provided they complied with Kenyan laws and regulations.

Mudavadi made the clarification amid concerns over the treatment of small-scale traders from neighbouring countries, following a directive issued by President William Ruto on Sept. 2 restricting foreign participation in certain small-scale businesses.

The directive had caused concern among foreign nationals, particularly Burundian traders and other migrants from East and Central Africa working in petty trading, retail, hospitality, construction and agriculture.

Mudavadi said the government’s position was not to expel foreign traders but to ensure that those operating in the country regularised their immigration status, registered their businesses and complied with tax requirements.

“Kenya is not implementing a blanket ban on foreign nationals engaging in small-scale businesses but is seeking to ensure that their participation is consistent with the East African Community Common Market Protocol and applicable national law,’’ he said.

He said the policy was intended to protect vulnerable economic sectors, promote fair competition and safeguard the livelihoods of Kenyan citizens.

Mudavadi said Kenya remained committed to regional integration and would continue to facilitate the movement of people, capital, goods and services in accordance with relevant legal frameworks.

He also briefed foreign diplomats on the country’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, economic performance and responses to emerging challenges, including health threats and seasonal El Niño rains.

Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Foreign Affairs, said Kenya had a long history of providing refuge to people fleeing conflict, economic hardship and climate-related shocks in the region.

Sing’Oei reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the lives, property and livelihoods of citizens of East African Community member states living in Kenya.