Kenya Gives Foreign Workers 90 Days to Regularise Status
Kenya has given foreign workers 90 days to regularise their immigration and business status following concerns triggered by President William Ruto’s directive targeting immigrant-owned small businesses. Ruto had last week said foreigners should not operate as hawkers or run small shops in Kenya and gave them until Monday to stop such activities. The directive sparked concern among foreign nationals, particularly Burundians who earn a living through street vending in Nairobi. Hundreds of Burundians reportedly went to their embassy on Monday seeking assistance to return home, amid fears of possible xenophobic attacks. Kenya attracts migrants from across the East African Community, whose citizens enjoy freedom of movement within the regional bloc. The government has now clarified that its intention was to ensure foreigners operating businesses in the country have the required permits and licences. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the President’s Office said authorities would conduct an orderly regularisation exercise over the next 90 days to ensure migrants have the appropriate work permits and business licences.
The government said immigration rules would be enforced firmly and strictly in accordance with the law after the 90-day period. Work permits are free for citizens of EAC member states, including Burundi and Kenya, although many foreign workers have not completed the required registration process. Burundi, with a population of about 15 million people, is one of the world’s poorest countries and is a member of the EAC alongside Kenya. Reports of attacks against some Burundians emerged following Ruto’s announcement, prompting Kenya’s junior Foreign Minister, Korir Sing’Oei, to apologise to Burundian nationals on Monday. Sing’Oei said many Burundians had been attacked by neighbours and friends because of what he described as a lack of understanding. He explained that the government’s main objective was to establish how foreign workers were living in Kenya, confirm their identification and ensure their jobs were properly registered. The 90-day exercise is therefore expected to give foreign workers time to obtain the necessary documentation before stricter enforcement
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