Ruto Orders Crackdown on Foreign Small Businesses in Kenya

On September 3, 2023, President William Ruto of Kenya announced a directive aimed at restricting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, from operating small-scale businesses in the country. This decision was made during an address to small-scale traders at State House in Nairobi, where Ruto emphasized the need to protect local traders and hawkers from increasing competition in the informal economy.

He stated that foreigners engaged in such businesses must cease operations by the following week and pledged to expedite proposed legislation to prevent foreign involvement in specific trade areas. Ruto argued that while Kenya welcomes foreign investment, it should come through larger businesses that contribute to job creation and production rather than competing with local entrepreneurs.

The directive follows rising tensions between local traders and foreign nationals, particularly after a confrontation involving a Kenyan and a Burundian trader. The Kenyan foreign ministry has since sought to reassure East African nationals living in Kenya about their safety and the country's welcoming stance.