Kenya Minister warns foreigners against ‘misusing’ visas to trade

Kenya's trade ministry has cautioned that visa-free entry into the country does not permit foreign nationals to engage in work, as the government plans to cease unlicensed small businesses operated by migrants. President William Ruto set today as the deadline for foreigners conducting small-scale businesses to discontinue their operations.

Hundreds of individuals have assembled at Burundi's embassy in Kenya, seeking to secure travel documents due to the impending crackdown. The extent of the foreign nationals' involvement in small-scale trading remains uncertain, along with the potential number of those affected by the government's measures. In a statement, the trade ministry highlighted a "deliberate misuse of visa applications" by certain visitors, stating that some entered Kenya as investors or tourists but later engaged in business activities without proper authorization.

Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui emphasized the necessity to align the activities of foreigners and ensure compliance with work permit regulations, given the substantial number of those involved in the retail and local trade sectors. Last week, Ruto expressed Kenya's openness to foreign investment, but stressed that it should not entail individuals like Chinese nationals operating small shops or serving as hawkers.

He argued that investors should focus on job creation and expanding production rather than competing with Kenyans in small businesses. These remarks have elicited varied reactions, with some critics perceiving them as a populist move that might incite xenophobia; however, government officials refute these allegations. Burundi's Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana expressed concern through a post on X, stating that Kenyans residing in Burundi were living peacefully.

He warned that any escalation of hate speech against Burundi could lead to significant changes in the situation, asserting that the Kenyan government bears responsibility for the well-being of Burundians living in Kenya. Bizimana also convened an urgent meeting with representatives from the East African Community (EAC), comprising eight member states promoting economic integration in the region.

Both Kenya and Burundi are members of this bloc. Kenyan representatives participated in the meeting organized by Bizimana in Burundi. He urged the Kenyan ambassador to convey Burundi's concerns and ensure that no Burundian faces abuse. On Sunday, a senior official in Kenya's foreign affairs ministry clarified that foreigners possessing the appropriate documentation, including work permits and licenses, could continue their activities.

Burundian nationals and other East Africans are free to reside in Kenya as long as they adhere to the legal requirements for conducting their businesses or work, according to Permanent Secretary Korir Sing'oei. While this clarification has not alleviated concerns among some foreign traders, Alexis Ntinanirwa, the head of the Association of Burundians living in Kenya, expressed dissatisfaction with Ruto's decision but encouraged Burundians to remain patient.

He cautioned that the issue could have broader regional implications, as Kenyans are also engaged in small-scale businesses in other East African countries, such as Burundi, Tanzania, and Uganda. Ntinanirwa advised Burundians operating small businesses to avoid confrontations with law enforcement authorities.