The government says foreign nationals will have three months to obtain the required immigration and business documents, easing fears of immediate deportations.
Nairobi, Kenya (Running Africa) — Kenya has given undocumented foreign nationals 90 days to regularize their immigration and business status, following President William Ruto’s directive targeting foreigners operating small-scale businesses.
Government spokesperson Charles Owino said authorities had opened a registration and documentation process, with particular attention to nationals from East African countries, including Burundi.
Foreign nationals who register through their embassies or high commissions will be presumed to be lawfully in Kenya while their applications are processed, according to the government.
Kenya Opens 90-Day Registration Period for Foreigners
The 90-day window is intended to give affected foreigners time to secure the necessary immigration documents, work permits, business registrations, and licenses.
Authorities are expected to begin enforcing the relevant requirements once the deadline expires.
The move follows concerns among Burundians in Kenya after Ruto directed foreign nationals operating small businesses to cease operations.
The president said Kenya remained open to foreign investment but argued that foreign nationals should focus on enterprises that create jobs rather than compete with Kenyans in activities such as hawking and operating small shops.
Burundians Seek Emergency Travel Documents
Hundreds of Burundians reportedly approached their embassy in Nairobi seeking emergency travel documents amid fears of deportation, with some preparing to return home.
Kenyan officials have since stressed that the directive does not amount to a blanket ban on foreign traders.
Foreign Affairs official Korir Sing’oei apologized following reports of harassment and said security would be strengthened in areas where Burundian nationals live.
Directive Raises East African Integration Concerns
The dispute has also raised questions about East African regional integration and the treatment of citizens working across national borders.
Burundi has warned that hostility towards its nationals could have implications for Kenyans working elsewhere in the region.
For now, Kenya’s 90-day regularization period provides affected foreign nationals with an opportunity to formalize their immigration and business status before enforcement begins.
The implementation of the directive will be closely watched for its impact on foreign traders, migrant communities, and cross-border business within East Africa.
