Kenya moves to regularize foreign businesses after president’s remarks alarm immigrant communities
Summary
Kenya’s government has given foreign business owners 90 days to get or update their permits and licenses. This decision came after President William Ruto spoke about foreign-owned businesses, causing fear among immigrant communities like Burundians and Congolese.Key Facts
- Foreigners running businesses in Kenya must now obtain or update work permits and business licenses within 90 days.
- The move followed President Ruto’s remarks about foreign business owners competing with local small-business owners.
- Some immigrants, especially Burundians, were worried and visited their embassy in Nairobi to get documents or consider returning home.
- The government will work with foreign embassies to manage the registration and ensure laws are followed.
- President Ruto asked lawmakers to change a bill to allow fair participation by foreigners in small businesses and protect some sectors for locals.
- There have been complaints that foreigners take low-paying jobs and run small businesses, which some Kenyans see as unfair competition.
- Kenyan officials emphasized the process is to ensure compliance with Kenyan and East African laws on business, immigration, and work permits.
- A government official apologized for any confusion caused by the president’s remarks about the exercise.
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