{
  "id": 6767091,
  "title": "Wetang’ula defends Ruto’s call for foreign traders to regularise operations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/wetangula-defends-rutos-call-for-foreign-traders-to-regularise",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T14:43:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KBC",
    "slug": "kbc",
    "url": "https://www.kbc.co.ke/wetangula-defends-rutos-call-for-foreign-traders-to-regularise-operations/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula defended President William Ruto's call for foreign nationals living and operating businesses in Kenya to regularize their status, stating the directive aims to enforce existing laws and protect opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Wetang'ula emphasized that Kenya remains open to investors and other foreign nationals but stressed that those running businesses must possess necessary documentation, licenses, and permits. During a bodaboda empowerment drive in Endebess Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, Wetang'ula clarified that the President's remarks should not be perceived as an attempt to exclude other Africans. He highlighted Kenya's continued welcome for visitors and investors from the East African Community (EAC) and noted the government's efforts to make entry easier for Africans. Wetang'ula argued that the same principle should apply to EAC nationals, insisting that authorities should know who enters the country and the purpose of their visit. He questioned why foreigners were permitted to enter Kenya as investors but were seen selling maize in local markets, questioning whether such activity truly qualifies as investment. Wetang'ula advocated for protecting opportunities for Kenyan traders and entrepreneurs, especially those running small businesses. He also dismissed concerns of a hostile government towards other Africans, pointing to President Ruto's decision to allow visa-free entry for Africans from other countries. Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe similarly defended the President, stating that the call for foreigners with small businesses or casual jobs to regularize their status was meant to enforce existing laws rather than discriminate against foreigners. Mugabe emphasized that the government was concerned about foreign nationals engaging in petty trade without authorization, arguing that certain business opportunities should remain for Kenyans. He called for stricter monitoring of individuals entering Kenya via unofficial routes, stating that registration is crucial for national security and effective immigration management. Wetang'ula, in response to renewed debates over foreign nationals' role in Kenya's informal economy, stressed the need for fair and consistent enforcement of immigration, work permit, and business licensing regulations. He urged Kenya to attract investment while ensuring foreign businesses do not unfairly disadvantage local entrepreneurs. Wetang'ula also used the occasion to rally residents behind President Ruto's re-election bid in 2027, highlighting the government's achievements such as reduced fertiliser prices, infrastructure projects, and improvements in education and enterprise development.",
  "summary": "National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has defended President William Ruto’s call for foreign nationals living and doing business in Kenya to regularise their status saying the directive is intended to enforce existing laws and protect opportunities for local entrepreneurs. According to Speaker Wetang’ula, Kenya remains open to investors and other foreign nationals but insisted that […] The…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "KahawaTungu",
        "title": "MPs, Wetang’ula defend Ruto’s call for foreign traders to regularise operations",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/mps-wetangula-defend-rutos-call-for-foreign-traders-to-regularise",
        "published": "2026-09-11T16:18:44.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Capital FM Kenya",
        "title": "Wetang’ula defends Ruto’s call for foreign traders to regularise operations",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/wetangula-defends-rutos-call-for-foreign-traders-to-regularise",
        "published": "2026-09-12T08:48:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}