NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has assured its citizens living in Burundi that they remain safe and that relations between the two countries remain cordial despite concerns triggered by Kenya’s crackdown on foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Burundi, Henry Wambuma, issued the reassurance on Monday, September 7, as anxiety continued among foreign nationals in Kenya following President William Ruto’s directive targeting unlicensed and undocumented foreign traders.
Wambuma urged Kenyans living in Burundi to comply fully with the country’s laws and administrative requirements while continuing their stay.
“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 assured Kenyans in Burundi that the diplomatic relationship between Nairobi and Gitega remained unaffected.
“We wish to assure Kenyans living in Burundi that our relations with Burundi remain as cordial as ever before,” he added.
Ambassador seeks to clarify Ruto’s remarks
Wambuma also sought to address concerns surrounding Ruto’s September 2 remarks on foreign nationals engaged in small-scale trade in Kenya, saying the President’s statement had been misunderstood and had led to misconceptions.
According to the ambassador, Ruto’s remarks were made in the context of the Local Content Bill 2025, which is pending before Parliament and seeks to strengthen local participation in Kenya’s trade and investment activities.
The clarification follows a statement by Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui on September 6, in which he sought to explain the government’s position on foreign traders and distinguish between undocumented or unlicensed operators and foreigners who meet Kenya’s legal requirements.
“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,” Wambuma said.
The ambassador’s comments came as Kenya and Burundi sought to contain concerns that the crackdown could strain relations between the two neighbouring East African countries.
Crackdown triggers anxiety among foreign traders
Ruto announced the measures on September 2, directing authorities to act against foreign nationals operating small-scale retail businesses and engaging in hawking without the required licences or documentation.
The President said small-scale or petty trade should be protected for Kenyan citizens, while maintaining that Kenya remained open to foreign investment.
The directive gave affected traders until Monday, September 7, to cease operations if they lacked the necessary legal requirements.
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The announcement triggered concern among foreign nationals living and working in Kenya, particularly traders from neighbouring East African countries.
Burundian nationals have been among those affected by the uncertainty, with some relying on small-scale businesses such as selling coffee, peanuts and second-hand clothing.
The government has since moved to reassure foreign nationals who are legally entitled to work or operate businesses in Kenya that they will not be affected simply because they are foreigners.
The developments have placed renewed attention on the balance between Kenya’s efforts to protect opportunities for its citizens and its commitments to regional integration, particularly within the East African Community (EAC).
For Kenyan nationals living in Burundi, Wambuma’s appeal was clear: comply with local laws while continuing to rely on the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries.
