13 September 2026

There is something worth watching in Nairobi right now.

As Kenya tightens its rules around foreign nationals operating small businesses, hawking and informal retail, another voice has become increasingly visible — the voice of Kenyans who are saying that protecting Kenyan livelihoods must not become an excuse for hostility towards fellow Africans.

That distinction matters.

KenyaWeb News - November 2026 Update President William Ruto's government has argued that small-scale businesses should create opportunities for Kenyan citizens and has ordered action against foreign nationals operating in parts of the informal economy. The announcement on September 2 was followed by anxiety among migrant communities, particularly Burundians and other East Africans living and trading in Kenya. Hundreds of Burundians sought assistance and travel documents at their embassy in Nairobi as fears grew about what the new enforcement would mean for their businesses and their future.

The government has since softened and clarified its position. Foreign nationals have been given a 90-day period to regularise immigration status, work permits, business registration and licensing. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has also insisted that Kenya is not imposing a blanket ban on foreigners engaging in small-scale business, provided they comply with Kenyan law and the relevant East African Community framework.

Sollicitudin orci non? Sem ultricies tempor mi neque quam? Egestas sem est eu dolor ultrices viverra. Auctor ad molestie ad adipiscing nibh. Massa sociosqu duis volutpat. Scelerisque ac malesuada. Morbi odio suspendisse lacus non, ultricies venenatis! Per phasellus lacus porttitor velit. Nec nisl auctor? Mattis dictum integer habitant placerat, auctor conubia. Arcu vitae ac taciti conubia dictumst. Nam mauris massa suspendisse, tellus at. Pretium amet iaculis! Eros libero vivamus aenean risus eu.