Kenya: DRC, Burundi Accuse Rwanda, Kenya of Expulsions Amid Trader Crackdown

• Kenya initiated a crackdown on foreign traders, with President William Ruto directing the closure of small-scale businesses operated by foreigners lacking proper documentation.
• The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry clarified that the policy targets foreigners operating without required work permits and licenses, not a general expulsion, and compliant individuals can continue their operations.
• The government established a Documentation and Registration Window for undocumented East African Community nationals to regularize their status and instructed police to prevent harassment.
• Governments and political voices in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi have alleged Rwanda's involvement in Kenya's actions, though no evidence has been presented to support this claim.
• The crackdown caused significant anxiety among foreign traders, particularly Burundians, leading many to seek assistance at their embassy in Nairobi.

The Kenyan government has since clarified that its policy targets foreigners operating businesses without the required work permits and licenses, emphasizing compliance rather than a blanket expulsion of East African nationals.

Kenya has initiated a significant crackdown on foreign traders, a move that began with President William Ruto's directive on September 2. Following a meeting with Kenyan micro, small, and medium-sized traders at State House, where concerns about taxes and increasing competition were raised, President Ruto instructed authorities to shut down small-scale businesses operated by foreigners starting September 7. He articulated that Kenya aims to attract substantial investors who contribute to job creation and economic expansion, rather than foreign nationals engaging in low-capital ventures such as hawking and petty trade that compete directly with local businesses.

This announcement triggered widespread anxiety among foreign traders across Kenya. Burundian nationals, in particular, were visibly affected, with hundreds flocking to their embassy in Nairobi to seek assistance and emergency travel documents. The Burundian government subsequently announced plans to provide bus transport for its citizens wishing to return home, and images of individuals carrying luggage circulated widely on social media platforms. While Burundians, many of whom work in Kenya's informal economy selling goods like coffee, clothes, and snacks, were the most prominent face of this episode, other foreign nationals, including Ugandans, Congolese, and Rwandans, were also impacted. Some Ugandans were observed departing through the Busia border, and reports indicated that some Congolese and Rwandan traders either closed their businesses or relocated.

Despite the visible distress and movement, Kenyan police have stated they have received no confirmed evidence of a mass exodus or an organized campaign specifically targeting Burundians, Congolese, or Rwandans. However, individual instances of threats and pressure have been reported. The initial directive also caused concern within Kenya, with some foreigners reporting harassment. This led to a swift response from the government to clarify the scope and intent of the policy.

In response to the confusion and anxiety, Kenya's Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry moved to clarify the policy, emphasizing that the crackdown specifically targets foreigners operating businesses without the legally required work permits and licenses. The ministry underscored that obtaining a visa-free entry or electronic travel authorization does not automatically confer the right to work or operate a business within Kenya. This policy, therefore, applies to all foreign nationals in this category, and it is not intended as a general order for the expulsion of foreigners. Those who possess the necessary permits and licenses are permitted to continue their operations without hindrance.

Further efforts to mitigate the situation included a visit by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei to the Burundi Embassy on September 7. During his visit, Sing’oei apologized for any harassment resulting from the confusion surrounding the directive and pledged enhanced security in areas with significant immigrant populations, such as Bahati and Muthurwa in Nairobi. The government subsequently announced a dedicated Documentation and Registration Window for undocumented East African Community (EAC) nationals. Government spokesperson Charles Owino clarified that undocumented EAC citizens could present themselves to their respective embassies or high commissions for registration. Individuals who engage with this process will be presumed legally present while their status is being addressed.

These measures, coupled with instructions to police to prevent harassment and xenophobia, underscored a clear message: Kenya aims to enforce its immigration and business regulations, ensuring compliance with `Kenya work permits foreign businesses` requirements. The government is not, however, conducting a blanket expulsion of `East African Community immigration` members or other foreign nationals, but rather seeking to regularize the status of `Kenya undocumented EAC nationals`.

Against the backdrop of Kenya's enforcement drive, regional tensions have surfaced, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi making claims that have drawn Rwanda into the controversy. Governments and political voices in both the DRC and Burundi have sought to connect Kenya’s actions against foreign traders to Rwanda. This assertion, however, has been made without any presented evidence to substantiate the claim. The theory circulating among some political and social media voices suggests a link between the pressure on Burundians in Kenya and Rwanda, forming part of the broader narrative of `DRC Burundi accuse Rwanda Kenya expulsions`.

Kenyan officials have consistently offered a different explanation for the measures, aligning with President `William Ruto foreign business policy` focused on regulatory compliance. The government's stance remains that the crackdown is an internal matter aimed at enforcing existing laws regarding `Kenya foreign trader crackdown` and business operations, specifically targeting those without proper documentation. Despite the accusations from the DRC and Burundi, Kenya's official position maintains that its actions are not politically motivated by regional rivalries but are rather a domestic effort to ensure fair competition and adherence to legal frameworks for all businesses operating within its borders.

Lawyers advising foreign nationals or businesses operating in Kenya, especially those from EAC countries, must ensure clients comply with work permit and business license regulations. The new Documentation and Registration Window for undocumented EAC nationals presents a critical opportunity for clients to regularize their status and avoid potential expulsions or harassment.

Source: Original reporting via regional news outlets.