Hundreds of Burundian nationals living in Kenya have visited the Embassy of Burundi in Nairobi to obtain or renew travel documents.
A spot check found many Burundians at the embassy along Dennis Pritt Road on Monday morning.
Earlier reports said the embassy had started issuing emergency travel documents to nationals who could not use their passports.
However, an embassy official said the exercise forms part of the normal services the mission provides to Burundian citizens.
The official said the embassy regularly issues travel documents to citizens without valid passports. It also helps those whose documents have expired.
“It is not because of the current situation. We do this daily,” the official said.
The embassy also provides other consular services to Burundians who need to renew their documents.
Burundians Visit Cyber Cafés for Documentation
Several Burundian nationals also visited cyber cafés in Nairobi to process their documents.
At a cyber café along Dennis Pritt Road, several Burundians queued on Monday morning.
They carried identification cards, passports and other permits as they completed the required paperwork.
One Burundian, who requested anonymity, said officials had asked them to obtain the necessary documents.
The documents will help them prepare for possible travel back to Burundi.
Kenya Clarifies Position on Foreign Traders
The increased activity comes amid growing concerns about foreign nationals engaging in small-scale trade in Kenya.
President William Ruto recently warned against foreigners operating small businesses illegally in the country.
However, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the President’s remarks had been taken out of context.
Sing’oei said Kenya remains open to both small and large-scale foreign businesses.
He stressed that foreign traders and employees must obtain the required permits and licences before operating in Kenya.
“We assure that small or large traders and employees of all nationalities, with requisite documentation — work permits and licenses — are legally protected to operate in Kenya,” Sing’oei said.
He added that Burundian nationals, other East Africans and Africans can live and work in Kenya as long as they follow the country’s laws.
The clarification comes as authorities continue enforcing immigration and business regulations for foreign nationals operating in Kenya.
