KNCHR warns against blanket crackdown on foreign traders

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has cautioned the Kenyan government against implementing blanket measures to enforce immigration and business regulations targeting foreign nationals, warning that such actions could result in human rights violations. President William Ruto issued a directive on September 2 to close small businesses operated by foreign nationals, with the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry clarifying the government's stance on work visa applications for foreign nationals on September 6.

KNCHR Chairperson Claris Ogangah stated that the Commission had received petitions from refugee communities and other migrant populations in several counties, alleging threats, intimidation, discriminatory treatment, and online attacks. The Commission emphasized that all migration-related measures and enforcement interventions must be carried out lawfully, fairly, consistently, and without discrimination based on nationality.

They cited Miritini in Mombasa County as an illustration of potential violations but stressed that the concern is national and not limited to the coastal town. KNCHR acknowledged the government's mandate to regulate immigration, employment, trade, investment, and commercial activities, as well as its responsibility to promote fair competition and protect opportunities for Kenyan citizens and local enterprises.

However, they warned that these responsibilities must be balanced with Kenya's constitutional and international human rights obligations, urging enforcement to adhere to principles of legality, equality before the law, non-discrimination, due process, and procedural fairness.

Brief written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.