Burundian nationals in Kenya seek refuge following government business directive

Hundreds of Burundian nationals in Kenya have sought assistance at their embassy and local churches following a government directive issued on September 2 by President William Ruto. The order, which mandates that small-scale trading be reserved for Kenyan citizens, has caused widespread concern among foreign residents who rely on informal businesses for their livelihoods. Some individuals reported feeling unsafe and threatened, prompting them to seek travel documents to return home.

In response to the growing unrest, the Kenyan government announced a 90-day grace period for foreign nationals to regularize their immigration and business documentation. Presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed emphasized that the registration process is intended to protect foreign residents, while Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei visited the Burundian embassy to apologize for what he characterized as a misunderstanding of the president's original order.

Kenya currently hosts approximately 35,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers. While some local traders have expressed support for the policy, citing concerns over economic competition, the situation has highlighted the significant challenges faced by foreign workers operating within the informal sector.