Government Spokesperson Charles Owino has issued a stern warning against the harassment, intimidation, and discrimination of foreign nationals following the implementation of President William Ruto’s directives regulating small-scale trade in Kenya.
Speaking during a briefing on Monday, September 7, Owino stated that security agencies, local authorities and businesses had been directed to protect documented foreign nationals as well as those undergoing registration from arbitrary harassment.
He cautioned individuals against exploiting the new directives to promote xenophobic sentiments or target citizens from Kenya’s neighbouring countries, warning that those found engaging in such conduct would face legal action.
“Any element seeking to exploit recent directives to fuel xenophobic sentiments or mistreat our neighbours will face the full force of the law,” Owino said.
Owino reiterated that no foreign national should be subjected to arbitrary harassment or discrimination regardless of their documentation status.
“The Government of Kenya maintains a policy against any form of harassment, intimidation or xenophobia. The directive to security agencies, local authorities and the business community is that no foreign national, whether documented or undergoing registration, should be subjected to arbitrary harassment or discrimination,” Owino added.
His remarks came days after President Ruto issued directives regulating small-scale retail and informal trade activities in line with the proposed Local Content Bill, 2025. The President ordered a halt to hawking operations conducted by foreign nationals across the country, with the directive taking effect on Monday, September 7.
The move triggered a rush among foreign nationals, particularly citizens of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with some reported to have flocked to bus stations seeking to leave Kenya, while others visited cybercafés to process temporary passes or their respective embassies to regularise their documentation.
The developments were also accompanied by reports of harassment and intimidation. Footage obtained by Vantage Ke documented incidents involving alleged violence, intimidation and property theft targeting some foreign nationals.
The situation prompted concern from the Government of Burundi, which raised questions over the safety of its citizens in Kenya. Burundian authorities reported that some traders engaged in small-scale businesses had allegedly faced dispossession and violence while carrying out their daily activities.
Owino acknowledged that several East African nationals, including Burundians, have lived and worked in Kenya without complete documentation, potentially exposing them to exploitation and harassment.
He noted that some of the affected foreign nationals lacked documentation recognised under Kenyan law, including work permits and business licences.
In response, the government announced a formal Documentation and Registration Window for undocumented East African Community nationals living in Kenya. Burundian citizens were specifically urged to present themselves to their respective High Commissions or Embassies to undergo formal identity registration.
“We call upon all undocumented East African Community nationals, and specifically Burundian citizens currently residing in Kenya, to immediately present themselves to their respective High Commissions or Embassies for formal identity registration,” Owino stated.
The government further announced that individuals undergoing registration would be presumed legally present in Kenya for the duration of the designated registration period. “This window is designed to bring our brothers and sisters out of the shadows, ensuring they can access health, banking, and legal protections without fear,” Owino stated.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate the process with the Embassy of Burundi and other regional partners, with further administrative details expected to be communicated through the respective diplomatic missions.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei visited foreign nationals at their embassy and assured them of government protection as they addressed their documentation challenges. “In the next few days, the Government of Kenya will provide security in the places where you largely live within Nairobi County, such as Muthurwa, Kangemi and Bahati, to prevent harassment as we educate Kenyans on the importance of regional cohesion,” Sing’Oei stated.
The government has maintained that the measures are intended to protect local livelihoods and regulate informal trade, rather than target citizens of neighbouring countries.
Owino also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the East African Community Common Market Protocol, insisting that enforcement of the new directives would be accompanied by respect for regional integration and the dignity of foreign nationals.
