{
  "id": 6135493,
  "title": "Kenya minister warns foreigners against ‘misusing’ visas to trade",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/kenya-minister-warns-foreigners-against-misusing-visas-to-trade-6135493",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T13:08:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/kenya-minister-warns-foreigners-against-misusing-visas-to-trade/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kenya's Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui has cautioned that visa-free entry into the country does not entitle foreign nationals to engage in work, as the government plans to dismantle unauthorized small-scale businesses operated by foreigners. President William Ruto set today as a deadline for foreigners running small-scale businesses to halt their operations. In response to the impending move, the Burundian embassy in Kenya announced it would provide emergency travel documents to its citizens willing to return home, due to reports of mistreatment. The extent of involvement of foreign nationals in small-scale trading remains uncertain, and how many would be impacted by the crackdown is unclear.\n\nThe Trade Ministry stated there has been \"deliberate misuse of visa applications by some visitors,\" citing instances where individuals entered Kenya as investors or tourists but then engaged in business activities contrary to their stated status. Trade Minister Kinyanjui emphasized the need to align activities and ensure compliance with work permit provisions due to the large number of foreigners engaged in retail and local trade.\n\nPresident Ruto's remarks have generated mixed reactions, with some criticizing the move as xenophobic, while government officials deny the criticism. Burundi's Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana expressed concern on X, questioning the government's role in the well-being of Burundians living in Kenya. A meeting was held between Burundi's representatives and those of the East African Community, which both countries are members of. Kenyan officials were present at the discussion.\n\nThe Kenyan Foreign Affairs Ministry clarified that foreigners with the necessary documentation, including work permits and licenses, could continue their activities. However, this announcement did little to alleviate concerns among Burundian traders. Alexis Ntinanirwa, the head of the Burundian Association living in Kenya, expressed dissatisfaction with Ruto's decision but urged patience. He warned that the issue could have broader regional implications, as Kenyans are also involved in small-scale businesses in neighboring countries like Burundi, Tanzania, and Uganda. Ntinanirwa advised Burundians engaged in hawking and other small businesses to avoid confrontations with the police.",
  "summary": "Kenya's trade ministry has warned foreign nationals that visa-free entry into the country does not grant them the right to work, as the government vows to shut down unlicensed small businesses run by foreigners.",
  "key_points": [
    "President William Ruto sets August 1 as deadline for foreign traders to cease operations.",
    "Burundi's embassy offers emergency travel documents for citizens facing potential mistreatment."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}