RUTO CRACKDOWN: KENYANS IN BURUNDI ASSURED OF SAFETY AS FEARS GROW OVER FOREIGN TRADERS
Kenyans living in Burundi have been assured they remain safe amid growing concern over President William Ruto’s directive targeting foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses in Kenya.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Burundi, Henry Wambuma, said on Monday, September 7, that relations between Nairobi and Bujumbura remained cordial despite fears and uncertainty triggered by the directive.
Wambuma urged Kenyans living in Burundi to comply fully with the country’s laws and administrative requirements to avoid potential misunderstandings with authorities.
“I take this opportunity to implore all of you to comply fully with all legal and administrative instructions issued by the host country from time to time,” Wambuma said.
The ambassador also sought to clarify President Ruto’s remarks, saying they had been taken out of context and had fuelled misconceptions about the government’s position on foreign nationals.
According to Wambuma, the President’s statement was made in reference to the Local Content Bill 2025, which is before Parliament and seeks to reshape aspects of trade and investment in Kenya.
The envoy further pointed to a statement issued on September 6 by Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, which sought to provide additional clarification on the context of the President’s remarks.
“I have noted with concern the questions and fears raised by some of you regarding the President’s statement. The governments of Kenya and Burundi are working together to correct any misconceptions created,” Wambuma said.
Ruto orders crackdown on foreign traders
The clarification came days after President Ruto directed a nationwide crackdown on foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses and engaging in hawking without the required licences or documentation.
Speaking on September 2, the President ordered unlicensed or undocumented foreign retail traders, kiosk operators and street vendors to stop operating by Monday, September 7.
Ruto said petty trade should be reserved for Kenyans, arguing that privileges extended to foreign investors were not intended to permit hawking and other forms of small-scale retail trade.
The directive has since caused anxiety among foreign nationals living and working in Kenya, including members of the Burundian community who depend on small businesses for their livelihoods.
Some of those affected operate informal businesses selling products such as coffee, peanuts and second-hand clothing, commonly known as mitumba.
The government’s latest clarifications are therefore being closely watched by foreign traders and their host communities as authorities move to enforce the directive while seeking to distinguish between legitimate foreign investment and small-scale trading.
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