Burundians scramble to leave Kenya ahead of crackdown on unregistered traders
Hundreds of Burundian nationals are rushing to secure travel documents as Kenya faces an unfolding departure of migrant workers. President William Ruto established a strict deadline for unlicensed foreign traders to halt operations. The trade ministry cited widespread visa rule violations. Visitors entering as tourists or investors have allegedly engaged in unauthorised retail work. The […]
Burundian nationals are hastily seeking travel papers as Kenya prepares to crack down on unauthorized foreign traders. President William Ruto initiated a firm deadline for unregistered traders to cease operations. The Ministry of Trade highlighted widespread violations of visa rules. Tourists and investors have allegedly been working without proper authorization.
The United Nations' refugee agency estimates around 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers are in Kenya, though the exact number of individuals running small businesses or facing direct displacement remains unclear. Families are gathering belongings and moving towards transportation centers. Some migrants express financial limitations that prevent them from affording immediate travel.
Critics claim the policy is reminiscent of a similar approach taken in Tanzania last year. Tensions in the region are rising; Burundi responded sharply to the enforcement actions. Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana warned via social media that "if the hate speech against Burundi continues, things will certainly change." He claimed the Kenyan government is responsible for the well-being of Burundians living in Kenya.
Bizimana convened an emergency meeting with East African Community representatives, which Kenyan delegates attended. He implored the Kenyan ambassador to shield citizens from mistreatment. President Ruto defended the policy, stating that legitimate investors should generate jobs instead of competing with local market vendors. He dismissed the notion that foreigners could operate as hawkers or launch small enterprises.
Opponents label the policy as populist and potentially dangerous, rejecting accusations of fanning xenophobia. Government explanations and community reactions show Kenyan authorities attempting to mitigate the growing tensions. Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui stressed the importance of adhering to regulations, noting that due to the large number of foreign retail activities, officials must ensure compliance with work permit requirements.
Permanent Secretary Korir Sing’oei reiterated that legal compliance assures protection, affirming that "Burundian nationals and all East Africans – and Africans for that matter – are free to live in Kenya as long as they conduct their businesses or work according to the requirements of our laws." Foreign affairs officials emphasized that valid permits and licenses are crucial for safe operations.
Despite these assurances, anxiety among migrant communities remains high. Alexis Ntinanirwa, head of the Association of Burundians in Kenya, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the mandate during a BBC Great Lakes interview. He warned that the dispute could cause problems not only for Burundians working in Kenya but also for Kenyans conducting small jobs in Burundi, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Ntinanirwa urged community members to remain patient and refrain from confrontations with law enforcement. As East African trade blocs navigate the delicate balance between national economic protectionism and regional integration, the ultimate outcome of these regulatory changes will test the resilience of cross-border diplomacy and the practical limits of free movement agreements across the continent.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
