Kenya has given foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses 90 days to regularise their immigration and business status.
The directive, announced by State House on Tuesday, follows concerns from Kenyan traders over the growing involvement of foreign nationals in small-scale and informal businesses.
President William Ruto said the government must protect economic opportunities for Kenyan citizens while also safeguarding the rights of foreign nationals who are legally living, working, investing or doing business in the country.
Ruto also directed that the Local Content Bill, 2025, currently before Parliament, be expanded to regulate foreign participation in small-scale trade and enterprises.
Over the 90-day period, government agencies will work with affected embassies to help foreign traders regularise their immigration status, work permits, business registrations and licences.
After the deadline, the government said the relevant laws would be strictly enforced.
However, State House warned against harassment, intimidation or violence against foreign nationals and their businesses, stressing that concerns over economic opportunities do not justify discrimination or lawlessness.
