Nairobi, September 8- The government has given Burundians and other foreign nationals operating small businesses in Kenya a 90-day grace period to regularise their immigration, work permits, business registration and licensing requirements.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed said the window is intended to give affected foreigners an orderly opportunity to comply with Kenyan laws before stricter enforcement begins. The exercise will be conducted by relevant government agencies in consultation with the embassies of the countries concerned.
During the 90-day period, authorities will provide guidance and ensure the process is carried out fairly and without discrimination. Once the period expires, immigration, work permit, business registration and licensing requirements will be strictly enforced.
The directive follows President William Ruto’s recent order targeting illegal small-scale businesses and hawking activities operated by foreign nationals, which sparked anxiety among some communities, particularly Burundians.
The government has also warned that the enforcement exercise does not permit harassment, intimidation or threats against foreign nationals or their businesses, saying anyone involved in such conduct will face legal action.
