Kenya has moved to register undocumented Burundians and other East Africans living in the country amid growing anxiety over President William Ruto’s directive targeting foreigners engaged in small-scale businesses.
On Monday, September 7, hundreds of Burundians reportedly rushed to process travel documents amid uncertainty over whether they would be allowed to remain and work in Kenya.
Kenyan government spokesperson Charles Owino said foreigners without proper documentation should register through their respective embassies or high commissions as the government works with diplomatic missions to regularise their status.
Owino said people undergoing the registration process would be presumed to be legally in Kenya while their documentation is being regularised.
President Ruto had set Monday as the deadline for foreigners operating small-scale businesses to stop working. The directive followed concerns raised by the Trade Ministry that some foreigners were exploiting visa arrangements to work in Kenya without the required permits.
The directive triggered long queues outside the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi, after the embassy announced that it would issue free emergency travel documents to citizens who wished to return home.
Some Burundians were also reportedly seen rushing to secure bus tickets as uncertainty grew over their status.
The situation has heightened tensions surrounding foreign traders and street vendors in Kenya. Some Burundians have reportedly faced hostility following Ruto’s order for authorities to take action against foreign street vendors and operators of small shops.
Ruto has maintained that such opportunities should primarily be protected for Kenyan citizens, while the government works to enforce immigration and work-permit regulations.