Kenya is tightening its rules on foreign traders who work or run businesses without the required permits.
The government says its visa-free policy will remain in place. However, entering Kenya without a visa does not automatically give foreigners the right to work, trade or operate a business.
Kenya tightens rules on foreign traders
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said Kenya would continue its visa-free entry policy.
The policy was introduced in 2024 and expanded in 2025. It removed electronic travel authorisation requirements for citizens of most African countries.
However, the government says some visitors are misusing the system.
According to Kinyanjui, some people enter Kenya as tourists or investors but later take part in activities that are not allowed under their immigration status.
Authorities have warned that anyone who breaks the rules could have their visa revoked.
Foreign hawkers face tougher action
The government is particularly concerned about foreigners working in retail and small businesses without the correct permits.
President William Ruto has called for tougher action against foreign nationals operating small businesses that he says should be reserved for Kenyans.
“We have not built investor confidence for hawkers to come to Kenya,” Ruto said.
His government has stressed that Kenya still welcomes major foreign investment. However, it wants to protect local traders and ensure foreign businesses follow the country’s laws.
Kenya wants investment to create jobs
The crackdown is part of a wider effort to make foreign investment create more jobs and economic benefits for Kenyans.
Days earlier, Ruto ordered Indian-owned Tata Chemicals to stop operating in Kenya. He accused the company of failing to establish factories and create enough jobs.
Tata rejected the claims and said it was complying with Kenyan regulations.
For the government, the message is simple: foreigners remain welcome to visit and invest in Kenya, but visa-free entry does not provide an automatic right to work or run a business.