Kenya gives foreign retailers 90 days to regularize their status

Kenya has given foreign owners of small businesses 90 days to regularize their immigration and commercial status after President William Ruto moved to restrict foreign-run retail trade and street vending.

At the end of the period, immigration requirements, work permits, registrations and licenses will be enforced firmly and strictly, presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said. The government plans to coordinate the process with state agencies and consult embassies, offering affected people a structured opportunity to bring their immigration status and businesses into compliance with the law.

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At the end of the 90-day regularization period, immigration requirements, work permits, registration and licenses will be applied firmly and strictly, in accordance with the law and due process.

Mohamed said the decision followed a meeting between Ruto and local traders. They had raised concerns about the growing presence of foreign nationals in informal and small-scale businesses, and about the effect on Kenyans who depend on those activities for their livelihoods.

“The president reaffirmed the responsibility of the Government to protect and expand economic opportunities for Kenyan citizens, particularly within the micro and small enterprise sector that supports millions of households,” Mohamed said. He added that Kenya would protect opportunities for its citizens while continuing to allow legal foreign investment, business activity and employment.

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The president reaffirmed the responsibility of the Government to protect and expand economic opportunities for Kenyan citizens, particularly within the micro and small enterprise sector that supports millions of households.

Since Monday, hundreds of people have gathered outside Burundi’s embassy in Nairobi’s Kilimani neighborhood to seek travel documents and passports. Ruto had set Sept. 7 as the deadline for foreign-run small businesses to close. Young adults and families with small children waited outside on Tuesday, while others crowded the embassy courtyard to arrange a return home or regularize their status.

Some people spent the night near the embassy because of the crowds and long waits. The mission said it would issue emergency travel documents, known as laisser-passer, to Burundians who wanted to return. Kenya’s president linked the directive to the 2025 Local Content Bill, which is currently under consideration.

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These objectives are complementary and will be pursued consistently with Kenya’s Constitution, laws and international obligations.