Kenya Grants 90 Days for Foreign Workers to Regularize Status

Kenya's President William Ruto announced that foreign workers have 90 days to regularize their status after a controversial order to close immigrant-owned small businesses. This decision, perceived as an attempt to garner support from local hawkers ahead of upcoming elections, caused panic among foreign nationals, particularly Burundians who rely on street vending in Nairobi.

Following the backlash, the Kenyan government clarified that the aim was to ensure that no one was illegally operating a business. Work permits are free for citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries, but many have not completed the registration process.

The president's office stated that an orderly regularization exercise would take place over the next 90 days, after which immigration rules would be strictly enforced. Reports indicated that some Burundians faced attacks due to misunderstandings following Ruto's order.

Kenya's junior foreign minister, Korir Sing’Oei, apologized to the Burundian community, emphasizing the need for proper identification and job registration.