Kenya offers to regularize undocumented migrants after ultimatum on foreign-owned shops

Kenya is offering undocumented migrants a route out of hiding after hundreds of Burundians turned to their embassy in Nairobi following the deadline for foreign nationals to close certain retail and street-vending businesses.

Government spokesman Charles Owino said Kenya would establish a formal documentation and registration system. He urged all undocumented citizens of the East African Community to register, with particular emphasis on Burundian nationals.

“

To address this situation constructively, the government of Kenya is establishing a formal documentation and registration system.

“During this period of registration, all persons who register will be considered legally present in the Republic of Kenya,” Owino said. He described the registration period as a chance for migrants to emerge from clandestinity and access health, banking and legal services without fear. Kenya’s Foreign Ministry will work with the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi and other regional partners.

“

During this period of registration, all persons who register will be considered legally present in the Republic of Kenya.

Owino also praised the “deeply valuable contributions” of East African citizens to Kenya’s trade, culture and socioeconomic life. He defended Kenya’s reputation as “a safe haven and a land of hospitality,” while criticizing media reports he said sensationalized the government’s measures and portrayed them as hostile action against foreigners. He warned of “zero tolerance” for attempts to use the policy to incite xenophobia.

Hundreds of Burundians went to their embassy on Monday to arrange passports and travel documents. Burundi’s embassy announced that it would issue emergency travel documents, known as laisser-passer, to those wishing to return home.

“

Deeply valuable contributions

The deadline followed President William Ruto’s directive barring foreign citizens from running certain retail businesses and selling goods on the street. Ruto linked the policy to the 2025 Local Content Bill, which is under parliamentary consideration and would restrict some commercial activities to Kenyan nationals while requiring at least 60% of supplies and services to come from local sources. A day later, Ruto said he had also ordered Indian multinational Tata Chemicals, which extracts soda ash for glass and chemical production, to leave the country.

“

Zero tolerance