President Ruto Mandates Clampdown on Foreign Small-Scale Traders in Kenya

Kenyan President William Ruto has issued a directive for authorities to begin a crackdown on foreign nationals engaged in small-scale business activities within the country. The President stated this move is aimed at safeguarding local traders and street hawkers.

Speaking at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 2, while addressing small-scale business owners, President Ruto declared, “From next week, all [foreign] traders doing those small businesses should close them.” He further indicated that his administration intends to expedite legislative processes that would restrict foreigners from operating in specific trade sectors.

While affirming Kenya’s commitment to welcoming foreign investment, the President stressed that such investors, including those from China, should focus on creating employment opportunities and expanding prospects for Kenyans, rather than directly competing with them in the small business arena. He emphasized, “It cannot be that a person comes from China or elsewhere to be a hawker or open a small shop.”

The precise number of foreign individuals currently involved in small-scale trading and the total count of those who will be impacted by this impending enforcement action are currently unknown. Kenya is home to thousands of migrants and refugees who contribute to various sectors, including hair salons, construction, commercial motorcycle transport, street vending, and small retail enterprises.

This development emerges amidst increasing friction between certain local traders and foreign residents. Local entrepreneurs have frequently accused foreign nationals of vying for the limited jobs and business opportunities available in the market.