Kenya Enforces Crackdown on Foreign Small Businesses

Kenya's Ministry of Trade, led by Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui, has initiated a crackdown on unlicensed small businesses operated by foreign nationals, asserting that visa-free access to Kenya does not equate to work rights. Kinyanjui highlighted the misuse of visa applications by some visitors who entered Kenya as tourists or investors but engaged in commercial trading, violating their entry purpose.

This enforcement aligns with a deadline set by President William Ruto, who stated that foreign nationals should not compete directly with Kenyan traders in the informal sector. The crackdown has prompted diplomatic tensions, particularly from Burundi, whose Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana convened an urgent meeting with the East African Community and summoned the Kenyan ambassador to express concerns.

Bizimana warned that continued hate speech against Burundians could lead to repercussions. Meanwhile, Kenya's Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Korir Sing'oei clarified that foreigners with valid work permits could continue their activities, while community leaders urged calm among Burundians in Kenya.