Kenya moves to regularize foreign businesses after president’s remarks alarm immigrant communities
Foreign traders must regularise permits and licences within 90 days, while officials say enforcement will follow and lawful investors remain protected.
- On Sunday, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui clarified that Kenya's visa-free entry policy does not permit foreign nationals to work or conduct business in the country.
- The clarification precedes today's deadline set by President William Ruto for foreign nationals operating small-scale retail shops to close their enterprises, following his September 2 directive reserving petty trade for Kenyans.
- Kinyanjui noted the "deliberate misuse of visa applications," with visitors entering as tourists before engaging in unauthorized trade, while Local traders complained foreign operators sell goods at prices difficult for micro-enterprises to match.
- Parliament is considering the Local Content Bill, which proposes foreign firms source at least 60 per cent of goods from Kenyan companies while at least 80 per cent of workforce comprises Kenyan citizens.
- Taken together, these measures could carry diplomatic risks if affected countries respond with similar restrictions against Kenyans operating abroad, as Kenya must balance protecting Local traders without undermining regional trade commitments.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Kenya gives foreign workers 90 days to regularise status
Kenyan authorities have given foreign workers 90 days to regularise their immigration and business status, in a move to ease concerns triggered by President William Ruto’s recent directive targeting immigrant-owned small businesses. Kenya, one of East Africa’s leading economies, attracts migrants from across the East African Community, EAC, whose citizens enjoy freedom of movement within […] Kenya gives foreign workers 90 days to regularise stat…
Kenya gives foreign workers 90 days to formalise status
Kenya warned foreign workers they had 90 days to regularise their status as it sought to backtrack from a panic triggered by President William Ruto's order to close immigrant-owned small businesses.
Kenya moves to regularize foreign businesses after president's remarks alarm immigrant communities
The Kenyan government has given foreigners 90 days to update their business documents, including work permits and licenses.
You have 90 days: State walks back snap order on foreign traders
Kenya gives foreign traders 90 days to comply with immigration rules, work permit requirements and valid licences amid uproar; Pres Ruto cautions against threats and intimidation of foreigners.
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