Kenya has given foreign workers and traders 90 days to regularise their status after concerns over new rules affecting foreign-owned small businesses.
The government says the measures do not amount to a blanket ban on foreigners operating businesses in the country.
Instead, officials say foreign nationals must meet immigration, work permit, registration and licensing requirements.
Kenya clarifies foreign business rules
Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya remains open to both small and large businesses operated by foreign nationals.
However, they must comply with Kenyan law and regional agreements.
“Kenya is not implementing a blanket ban on foreign nationals engaging in small scale business,” Mudavadi said.
He added that the government wants foreign participation to comply with the East African Community Common Market Protocol and national law.
Mudavadi described Kenya’s approach as regulatory rather than discriminatory.
Ruto announcement raised concerns
The clarification follows an announcement by President William Ruto concerning immigrant-owned small businesses.
Africanews reported that the announcement caused concern among foreign traders and workers in Kenya.
Burundian street vendors in Nairobi were among those particularly worried about the changes.
Earlier this week, hundreds of Burundians went to their embassy seeking help to return home.
Kenya’s junior foreign minister later issued an apology.
Foreign workers given 90 days
The president’s office has since announced a 90-day regularisation period.
During that period, migrants will be able to ensure they have the required documents to live and work legally in Kenya.
The government says foreign nationals can continue doing business if they meet immigration and licensing requirements.
The clarification is aimed at addressing uncertainty over how the rules will affect foreign traders.
Kenyan authorities have stressed that the policy is focused on legal compliance rather than nationality.