Kenya gives foreign workers 90 days to formalise status

Kenya has given foreign workers 90 days to regularise their immigration and business status, in an apparent effort to ease concerns sparked by President William Ruto’s earlier directive targeting immigrant-owned small businesses.

As a major economic hub in East Africa, Kenya attracts migrants from across the East African Community (EAC), whose citizens generally enjoy freedom of movement within the bloc.

However, Ruto last week said foreigners should not engage in hawking or operate small shops in Kenya, giving them until Monday to stop such activities. He argued that the country had worked to strengthen its economy and improve investor confidence, rather than create opportunities for foreign hawkers.

The directive triggered anxiety among many foreign nationals, particularly Burundians who depend on street vending for their livelihoods in Nairobi. Hundreds reportedly gathered at the Burundian embassy on Monday seeking assistance to return home, amid fears that tensions could escalate into xenophobic attacks similar to those recently witnessed in South Africa.

The Kenyan government has since clarified that its intention is not to target foreigners but to ensure that all businesses and workers are operating legally.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the president’s office said authorities would undertake a 90-day exercise to regularise the status of foreign workers and ensure they have the appropriate work permits and business licences.

Although work permits are free for citizens of EAC member states, many migrants have reportedly failed to complete the required registration process.

The government warned that once the 90-day period ends, immigration regulations would be enforced strictly and in accordance with the law.

Burundi, an EAC member with a population of about 15 million, is among the world’s poorest countries. Reports have emerged of some Burundians being attacked following the president’s initial announcement.

Kenya’s junior Foreign Minister Korir Sing’Oei apologised to the Burundian community, acknowledging that some had faced attacks from neighbours and friends because of confusion surrounding the directive.

He said the government’s primary objective was to establish migrants’ living and working conditions, verify their identification and ensure their employment and businesses were properly registered.