The government has given foreign nationals operating businesses in Kenya 90 days to regularize their immigration status and ensure their businesses are properly registered and licensed.
The government has warned that after the 90-day period, strict enforcement of the law will begin against those who fail to comply with the required regulations.
The move follows a directive by President William Ruto concerning the participation of foreign nationals in small-scale businesses in the country.
Hundreds of Burundian nationals reportedly flocked to their embassy in Nairobi yesterday seeking travel documents following the government’s directive.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the 90-day period will allow foreign traders to comply with requirements relating to immigration, work permits, business registration and licensing.
“Every person conducting business in Kenya is required to comply with applicable immigration, work permit, registration and licensing requirements,” Mohamed said.
He said the regularization exercise will be conducted in an orderly manner to give those affected an opportunity to correct their status before strict enforcement begins.
The move follows concerns raised by Kenyan traders over the increasing participation of foreign nationals in small-scale and informal businesses.
President Ruto has also directed that the Local Content Bill, 2025, currently before Parliament, be expanded to establish a legal framework governing participation in small-scale trade and entrepreneurship.
The framework will identify certain economic activities that may be reserved for Kenyan citizens, while protecting foreign nationals who are lawfully resident, employed, investing or conducting business in the country in accordance with the law.
The government has, however, clarified that the measures do not amount to a ban on foreign nationals doing business in Kenya, but are aimed at ensuring that those operating legally can continue their activities without unnecessary restrictions.
“Kenya will protect economic opportunities for its citizens, especially within the micro and small-enterprise sector, while remaining open to lawful foreign investment, enterprise and employment,” Mohamed said.
After the 90-day period, authorized government agencies will fully enforce laws governing immigration, work permits, business registration and licensing.
The government has also warned members of the public against harassing or threatening foreign traders during the enforcement process.
“No individual or group has the authority to harass, intimidate, threaten or interfere with foreign nationals or their businesses,” Mohamed said.
The government said the measures will not interfere with Kenya’s commitment to strengthening East African regional integration, including the free movement of people, labor, services and capital among member states.
Mohamed said concerns over economic competition cannot be used to justify discrimination or lawlessness, emphasizing that the rights of all people lawfully present in Kenya will be protected.
