President William Ruto has given foreign nationals conducting businesses in Kenya 90 days to regularise their immigration status and business operations, as the Government moves to tighten enforcement of rules governing small-scale trade.
The directive follows concerns raised by Kenyan traders over the growing participation of foreign nationals in small-scale businesses and informal trade, with traders arguing that the trend is affecting Kenyans who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
In a press statement on September 8, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the Government would use the 90-day period to facilitate compliance before immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements are strictly enforced.
“At the conclusion of the 90-day regularisation period, immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements will be enforced firmly and strictly in accordance with the law and due process,” the statement read
Foreign Traders Given 90 Days to Comply
During the 90-day regularisation period, relevant Government agencies will provide guidance and administer the applicable requirements fairly and consistently.
The exercise will involve immigration, work-permit, business registration and licensing requirements, with the Government expected to work with relevant embassies to give affected foreign nationals a structured opportunity to regularise their operations.
However, the Government has issued a strong warning that the approach will change after the 90-day window expires.
Also Read: Kenya Sends Another Message to Foreigners Doing Business After Ruto’s Order
At the conclusion of the period, immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements will be enforced “firmly and strictly” in accordance with the law and due process.
This means foreign nationals operating businesses without the required documentation could face enforcement action once the regularisation period ends.
The Government also clarified that enforcement would remain the responsibility of authorised State agencies.
Government Moves to Protect Kenyan Traders
According to the statement, President Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s responsibility to protect and expand economic opportunities for Kenyan citizens, particularly in the micro and small-enterprise sector that supports millions of households.
Ruto recognised the rights of foreign nationals who are lawfully resident in Kenya, employed, investing or conducting business in the country.
Ruto has directed that the Local Content Bill, 2025 (National Assembly Bill No. 45 of 2025), which is currently before Parliament, be expanded to establish a framework governing participation in small-scale trade and enterprise.
“Kenya will protect economic opportunities for its citizens, especially within the micro and small-enterprise sector, while remaining open to lawful foreign investment, enterprise and employment. These objectives are complementary and will be pursued consistently with the Constitution, the law and Kenya’s international obligations,” read the statement in part.
The proposed framework is expected to identify categories of economic activities that could be reserved for Kenyan citizens while providing legal certainty and protection for foreign nationals who are legally entitled to work, invest and conduct business in Kenya.
The Government said protecting opportunities for Kenyans would not mean closing the country to legitimate foreign investment, enterprise and employment.
Also Read: Businesses in Kenya Where Foreigners Dominate
Government Warns Against Harassment of Foreigners
The Government has warned individuals and groups against taking enforcement into their own hands, particularly amid growing public debate over foreign nationals operating small businesses.
Hussein said no individual or group has the authority to harass, intimidate, threaten or interfere with foreign nationals or their businesses. Anyone engaging in such conduct will face action under the law.
The Government maintained that concerns over access to economic opportunities cannot be used to justify discrimination, lawlessness or violence against foreign nationals.
Kenya will also continue supporting regional integration through the East African Community and continental initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In his directives the Head of State said it would continue facilitating the movement of people, labour, services and capital in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory frameworks.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
