President William Ruto has given foreign nationals running businesses in Kenya 90 days to regularise their status.
The process will cover both immigration and business requirements.
The government will use the 90 days to review the status of foreign traders. It will also give them time to comply with Kenyan laws.
Ruto orders changes to Local Content Bill
Ruto has also directed Parliament to expand the Local Content Bill, 2025.
The changes will introduce rules for foreign participation in small-scale trade and businesses.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the decision followed a meeting last week.
During the meeting, President Ruto received concerns from Kenyan traders.
The traders raised concerns about the growing number of foreign nationals operating businesses in the informal sector.
They said the trend affects Kenyans who depend on small businesses for their livelihoods.
In response, Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting economic opportunities for Kenyans.
The President placed special focus on the micro and small enterprise sector.
Millions of Kenyan households depend on this sector for their livelihoods.
At the same time, Ruto said the government would protect foreign nationals who legally live and work in Kenya.
This protection will also cover those who legally invest or operate businesses in the country.
Some businesses could be reserved for Kenyans
According to State House, the proposed Bill will identify certain economic activities.
Some of these activities could become exclusive to Kenyan citizens.
The framework will also protect foreign nationals with legal permission to work or invest in Kenya.
It will also protect those legally conducting business in the country.
Meanwhile, the government said Kenya remains committed to East African integration.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to continental unity.
Kenya will continue supporting the movement of people, workers, services and capital.
The government will follow existing laws and regional agreements.
These include the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Foreign traders given 90 days to comply
In the meantime, everyone conducting business in Kenya must meet the required legal conditions.
These include immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements.
The government will conduct a 90-day regularisation exercise.
Relevant state agencies will coordinate the process.
They will also work with the embassies of affected foreign nationals.
The exercise will give foreign traders time to regularise their immigration status.
It will also allow them to put their business operations in order.
The government said officials will handle the process fairly and consistently.
They will also carry out the exercise without discrimination.
However, authorities will strictly enforce the law after the 90-day period ends.
This will include immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing rules.
Government warns against harassment
State House has also warned Kenyans against harassing foreign nationals.
The warning also covers threats against foreign-owned businesses.
The government said no individual or group has the right to intimidate foreign nationals.
They also cannot threaten or interfere with their businesses.
Anyone who engages in such actions will face legal consequences.
“Legitimate concerns about economic opportunity can never justify discrimination, excuse lawlessness or sanction violence,” the statement said.
The government added that Kenya will remain an open and secure country.
At the same time, it will protect economic opportunities for its citizens.
Kenya will also continue honouring its regional, continental and international obligations.
