Kenyans living in Burundi have been assured that they remain safe despite concerns raised after President William Ruto ordered a crackdown on foreign nationals running small businesses in Kenya.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Burundi, Henry Wambuma, said on Monday that relations between the two countries remain cordial and urged Kenyans in Burundi to follow the laws and administrative requirements of the country.
“I take this opportunity to implore all of you to comply fully with all legal and administrative instructions issued by the host country from time to time,” Wambuma said.
He also moved to calm concerns among Kenyans in Burundi, saying the relations between Nairobi and Bujumbura had not changed.
“We wish to assure Kenyans living in Burundi that our relations with Burundi remain as cordial as ever before,” he said.
Wambuma further said some of the concerns had been caused by what he described as misconceptions over remarks made by Ruto.
According to the ambassador, the President was speaking in relation to the Local Content Bill 2025, which is before Parliament and seeks to change how trade and investment are handled in Kenya.
Wambuma said Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui had also issued a statement on September 6 to clarify the President’s remarks.
“I have noted with concern the questions and fears raised by some of you regarding the President’s statement. The governments of Kenya and Burundi are working together to correct any misconceptions created,” the ambassador said.
Ruto’s comments followed his September 2 directive for a nationwide crackdown on foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses and hawking without the required licences or documents.
The President gave unlicensed or undocumented foreign retail traders, kiosk owners and street vendors until September 7 to stop operating.
He said petty trade should be reserved for Kenyans, arguing that privileges given to foreign investors were not meant to cover hawking and other small-scale retail businesses.
The directive has caused concern among foreign nationals living in Kenya, including Burundians involved in small businesses such as selling coffee, peanuts and second-hand clothes.
The Kenyan government’s clarification has now sought to separate the domestic crackdown from Kenya’s relations with Burundi, while Kenyans living in the neighbouring country have been urged to continue observing local laws.
