Kenyan President William Ruto has directed authorities to begin a crackdown on foreigners operating small-scale businesses in the country, insisting that local traders and hawkers must be protected.
Ruto issued the directive on Wednesday, September 2, while addressing small-scale traders at State House in Nairobi.
“From next week, all [foreign]traders doing those small businesses should close them,” the President said, adding that his administration would accelerate legislation to restrict foreigners from participating in certain areas of trade.
Ruto stressed that Kenya remained open to foreign investment but said foreign investors, including Chinese nationals, should focus on creating jobs and expanding opportunities for Kenyans rather than competing with locals in small-scale businesses.
“It cannot be that a person comes from China or elsewhere to be a hawker or open a small shop,” he said.
The government has not disclosed the number of foreigners currently engaged in small-scale trading or how many could be affected by the proposed restrictions.
Kenya is home to thousands of migrants and refugees who earn a living across various sectors, including salons, construction, motorcycle transport, street vending and small retail businesses.
The proposed crackdown comes amid growing tensions between some Kenyan traders and foreign nationals, with local business owners accusing migrants of intensifying competition for jobs and limited commercial opportunities.
