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The Kenyan government has reportedly given foreign nationals operating businesses in the country 90 days to obtain or update work permits, business registrations and other required documents.
The move follows concerns raised by President William Ruto over the participation of foreigners in small businesses, remarks that reportedly caused anxiety among some immigrant communities.
Presidential spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed, said government agencies would work with foreign embassies during the 90-day period to facilitate the regularisation process.
He also warned against threats, harassment or intimidation of foreign business operators, according to Africanews.
The announcement came after hundreds of Burundian nationals reportedly visited their embassy in Nairobi to seek assistance with documentation, with some considering returning home over concerns about their safety.
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Mohamed said the exercise was intended to ensure that all people conducting business in Kenya complied with immigration, work permit, registration and licensing requirements, as well as East African Community rules governing the movement of goods, labour and services.
“Every person conducting business in Kenya is required to comply with applicable immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements,” he said.
The issue has emerged amid complaints from some Kenyan small-business owners who argue that foreign nationals are increasingly operating small businesses and taking jobs that could otherwise benefit locals.
President Ruto last week acknowledged receiving such complaints and directed lawmakers to expand a Bill before Parliament to address foreign participation in small businesses.
The proposed changes would also identify certain sectors that could potentially be reserved for Kenyan citizens.
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