Burundians rush to leave Kenya ahead of crackdown on unregistered traders

Burundian migrants in Kenya are rushing to obtain travel documents to leave the country in response to President William Ruto's order for foreigners to cease operating unlicensed small businesses by Monday. The trade ministry accused some migrants of taking advantage of visa rules to work without permits. Long lines formed outside the Burundian embassy in Nairobi for free emergency travel documents.

Kenya hosts tens of thousands of East African migrants looking for work and business opportunities. An estimated 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers are in Kenya, though the number involved in small-scale trading is unknown. Burundians have been seen carrying all their belongings, but some claim they cannot afford the travel costs and urge the Kenyan government to extend the deadline.

Ruto's move comes after a similar crackdown in Tanzania and growing anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa. Burundi's Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana accused Kenya of fueling hate speech against Burundi, stating that if the situation persists, it will change. Ruto defended the directive, saying that while welcoming foreign investment, Kenyans should not compete with locals in small businesses.

Kenyan officials emphasized that foreigners with proper documentation could continue their activities. Bizimana sought assurances from Kenya that Burundians would not be targeted. Kenyan authorities clarified that foreigners with necessary documents could continue their work, but concerns remain among Burundian traders about the impact on their livelihoods and the potential regional repercussions.