NAIROBI, Kenya — Government spokesperson Charles Owino on Tuesday 8, September 2026 declined to directly reconcile President William Ruto’s directive on foreign-run small businesses with the government’s subsequent assurances that undocumented foreign nationals will be given an opportunity to regularise their status.
Owino was pressed during a television interview to explain how the President’s earlier remarks about shutting down businesses operated by foreigners fit with the government’s latest position on documentation and registration.
The government has since sought to clarify that foreign nationals who meet Kenya’s legal requirements, including holding the necessary permits and business licences, remain protected.
Asked how a directive to close foreign-owned businesses had evolved into a window for undocumented East African nationals to register and “bring your brothers and sisters from the shadow,” Owino said businesses could not be closed without following due process.
“I thought you saw yesterday the PS for Foreign Affairs. You know, you cannot close a business unprocedurally. There are so many factors that need to be followed,” he said.
‘Call the President’
When the interviewer returned to Ruto’s specific instruction on foreign-operated businesses, Owino declined to provide a direct explanation of how the two positions should be reconciled.
“I will not answer that, because you are trying to force a statement and the government statement is clear that we will do business with our brothers and sisters in the larger East African economy,” he said.
Owino also warned against what he described as attempts to escalate the issue in a manner that could “incite the public.”
He rejected the suggestion that his response could put him at odds with the President.
“You want to put me against the President and I will not. Why don’t you call the President?” Owino said.
His comments come amid growing uncertainty among foreign traders following Ruto’s remarks on September 2 about protecting small-scale businesses for Kenyans while welcoming foreign investment.
The President’s comments triggered concern among foreign nationals operating small businesses, particularly traders from neighbouring East African countries.
Government seeks to clarify Ruto’s remarks
The government has since moved to reassure foreign nationals who comply with Kenyan law.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said on September 6 that reports portraying Ruto’s remarks as a blanket order to close businesses operated by foreigners had taken the President’s comments out of context.
Sing’oei said foreign traders and employees of all nationalities with the required documentation, including work permits and licences, remain legally protected to operate in Kenya.
Also Read: Kenya opens registration for undocumented Burundians amid deportations fear
The government has also opened a documentation and registration window for undocumented East African Community nationals, with affected individuals encouraged to present themselves to their respective embassies or high commissions to regularise their status.
The latest clarification has come as anxiety has spread among some foreign nationals in Kenya.
On Monday, Sing’oei visited the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi, where he apologised to Burundian nationals over harassment linked to confusion surrounding the government’s measures and pledged increased security in areas with large immigrant populations.
The government’s position now draws a distinction between foreign nationals operating outside Kenya’s immigration and business regulations and those who have the necessary documentation and licences.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has similarly said visa-free entry into Kenya does not automatically grant a foreign national the right to work, trade or operate a business, with such activities subject to immigration and other legal requirements.
The developments have left the government facing the task of clarifying how enforcement of local business and immigration rules will be implemented without undermining Kenya’s commitments to regional integration and the free movement of East African citizens.
