Burundians rush to leave Kenya ahead of crackdown on unregistered traders
Hundreds of Burundian nationals in Kenya are rushing to obtain travel documents and make arrangements to return home as the deadline approaches for a government crackdown on unlicensed small businesses operated by foreign nationals.
Kenyan President William Ruto has given foreigners engaged in small-scale businesses until Monday to stop operating, following concerns from the Trade Ministry that some migrants had exploited visa arrangements to work without the necessary permits.
Long queues have formed outside Burundi’s embassy in Nairobi after the mission announced that it would issue emergency travel documents free of charge to citizens seeking to return home. Others have been making urgent efforts to secure bus tickets.
Kenya is home to hundreds of thousands of migrants from across East Africa who travel to the country in search of employment and business opportunities.
The Kenyan Trade Ministry said some foreigners had deliberately misused visa applications by entering the country as tourists or investors before engaging in business activities that were inconsistent with the purpose of their visas.
Figures from the United Nations refugee agency indicate that Kenya hosts about 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers. However, it remains unclear how many of them are involved in small-scale trading and could be affected by the new measures.
Some Burundians preparing to leave have been seen carrying their belongings, including suitcases and mattresses. However, some say they cannot afford the cost of travelling back home and have appealed to the Kenyan government to extend the deadline.
The directive comes amid similar restrictions on foreign traders in Tanzania last year and growing anti-migrant sentiment in parts of South Africa.
Burundi’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Edouard Bizimana, has expressed concern over the situation, warning that continued anti-Burundian rhetoric could have consequences for Kenyans living in Burundi.
He said the Kenyan government had a responsibility to ensure the safety of Burundian nationals residing in the country.
The minister’s comments followed remarks by President Ruto that Kenya would remain open to foreign investment but would not allow foreigners from countries such as China to enter the country merely to operate as hawkers or run small shops.
Ruto argued that foreign investors should focus on creating employment and expanding production rather than competing with Kenyans in small-scale businesses.
The President’s comments have generated mixed reactions, with critics accusing his administration of taking a populist approach that could fuel xenophobia. Government officials have rejected those claims.
Some foreign nationals have also expressed fears for their safety, prompting Kenyan police to warn citizens against targeting or harassing foreigners.
Bizimana’s intervention followed an urgent meeting with representatives of the East African Community (EAC), a regional bloc of eight countries that promotes economic integration. Both Kenya and Burundi are members of the organisation.
Representatives from Kenya attended the meeting, during which Bizimana said he had asked the Kenyan ambassador to communicate Burundi’s concerns to the government and ensure that Burundian nationals were not subjected to abuse.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has since clarified that foreigners who possess the required documentation, including valid work permits and business licences, can continue operating legally.
Permanent Secretary Korir Sing’oei said Burundian nationals, other East Africans and Africans generally were free to live and work in Kenya provided they complied with the country’s laws and regulatory requirements.
The clarification, however, has done little to calm concerns among some foreign traders.
Alexis Ntinanirwa, head of the Association of Burundians living in Kenya, said he was unhappy with the President’s decision but urged Burundians to remain calm and patient.
He also warned that the crackdown could have broader implications for the region, noting that Kenyan nationals are similarly engaged in small-scale businesses in Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda.
Ntinanirwa urged Burundians involved in hawking and other small businesses to avoid confrontations with the police and remain peaceful.
Source: BBC
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