Kenya's Crackdown on Foreign Workers Raises Concern Among Burundians

Kenya's crackdown on foreign workers raises concern among Burundians

Some 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers live in Kenya, and many of them make a living through informal jobs – as carpenters, motorcycle taxi drivers, or clothing vendors. But since Monday, many have been afraid to go to work, and are now looking to leave the country. The reason: remarks made by Kenya’s president, which have sparked deep concern within the Burundian community. More from our correspondent Bastien Renouil.

Uncertainty for Burundians in Kenya after president orders foreign-owned businesses closed

Burundians in Nairobi flocked to their embassy on Monday to get travel documents, days after Kenyan president William Ruto ordered the closure of small businesses run by foreigners.

Kenyan man sells coffee and mandazi after crackdown on foreign hawkers, says it pays well

Gideon Mugo turned from puncture repairs to selling coffee, mandazi and groundnuts, seizing new opportunities after Kenya's crackdown on foreign hawkers now.

Kenya has not imposed ban on foreign small-scale traders, Mudavadi clarifies

Mudavadi says the recent directive by President William Ruto seeks to ensure foreign traders comply with the East African Community Common Market Protocol and Kenyan law.

KENYA’S PLANNED CRACKDOWN ON FOREIGN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES SPARKS ANXIETY

Wed 09 September 2026: As President Ruto orders the closure of foreign-owned small businesses, the nation grapples with competing visions for its informal economy—one rooted in protectionism, the other in infrastructure investment. Grace Muthoni wakes before dawn each day to make the journey to Gikomba Market in Nairobi, where she sells second-hand clothing. For seven […]