The Burundi government has started arrangements to facilitate the return of its citizens from Kenya following President William Ruto’s directive to remove foreign nationals engaged in hawking and other small-scale trading activities.
In a statement, the Burundi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Cooperation for Development confirmed that preparations were underway in coordination with the Burundi Embassy in Nairobi.
"Burundi is preparing to send buses to Kenya, and the Embassy of Burundi in Nairobi will issue free laissez-passer documents to facilitate the return to Burundi for those who wish to leave Kenya," the ministry stated.
Meanwhile, footage obtained by Vantage Ke on Monday, September 7, showed large numbers of Burundian nationals arriving at the Machakos Country Bus Station with their luggage as they sought transport to return home.
Similar scenes were reported at the Kenya-Uganda border in Malaba, where travellers were rushing to secure bus tickets amid heightened uncertainty over the directive.
Other Burundian nationals have also visited the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in Nairobi to seek free travel documents required to facilitate their repatriation.
President William Ruto on September 2 directed authorities to dismantle small-scale retail and hawking businesses operated by foreign nationals across Kenya, with the enforcement taking effect on September 7.
The President maintained that foreign investment should focus on large-scale ventures that increase production and create jobs rather than competing with local traders and hawkers.
The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, headed by Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui, subsequently warned that many foreign small-scale traders had breached visa and regulatory requirements. Those who meet the necessary visa conditions, however, were directed to obtain the relevant operating licences before resuming business.
In its response, the Burundi Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised concerns over the safety of its citizens in Kenya, claiming that some Burundian traders involved in small-scale businesses had been dispossessed of their property and subjected to unjustified violence while conducting their daily activities.
The ministry further claimed that President Ruto’s subsequent speech on Wednesday heightened tensions and contributed to violence targeting Burundian nationals residing in Kenya.
“The Minister also noted that these statements were followed by a speech from the Kenyan President, which exacerbated tensions and triggered violence targeting Burundian citizens,” the statement said in part.
While acknowledging Kenya’s sovereign right to make decisions on trade and economic policy, Burundi urged the Kenyan government to protect the dignity and safety of its citizens.
The Burundian government also emphasised the importance of maintaining unity within the East African Community (EAC), describing the regional bloc as one family.
Burundi warned that the Kenyan government would be held accountable for the safety of its nationals, particularly in the event of violence or other incidents affecting them.
"The Kenyan government will be held responsible for anything that happens to Burundian citizens, and Burundi reserves the right to take the necessary measures under the framework of reciprocity," the statement added.
Meanwhile, some Burundian nationals have appealed to President Ruto to reconsider or ease the directive, arguing that the Wednesday announcement caught many of them off guard and left them without adequate time to prepare.
