Ruto: No Crackdown on Foreign Traders — Gov’t Clarifies Remarks
The Kenyan government has moved to calm fears after international reports suggested President William Ruto had ordered a crackdown on foreigners operating small businesses in the country.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has dismissed the reports as inaccurate, stating that the President’s remarks were taken out of context by French publisher Le Monde.
What the Government Says
In a statement on his X account, Sing’Oei clarified that President Ruto was responding to the ongoing debate on the Local Content Bill, 2025, currently before Parliament. The Bill seeks to increase the participation of Kenyan businesses and workers in the economy.
“Le Monde got it wrong. President’s statement has been taken out of context, as he was responding to ongoing debate on the Local Content Bill presently before Parliament,” Sing’Oei said.
He assured that Kenya remains open to small and large-scale trade by foreign nationals — as long as they have the proper documentation.
“As such, we assure that small or large traders & employees of all nationalities, with requisite documentation — work permits & licenses — are legally protected to operate in Kenya,” he added.
East Africans Welcome in Kenya
Addressing concerns about regional neighbours, the PS emphasised that Burundian nationals and all East Africans — and Africans in general — are free to live in Kenya, provided they conduct their businesses or work according to Kenyan law.
“Burundian nationals and all East Africans — and Africans for that matter — are free to live in Kenya as long as they conduct their businesses or work according to the requirements of our law,” he stated.
What President Ruto Actually Said
On September 2, during a meeting with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) traders at State House, President Ruto acknowledged concerns that some foreigners had set up businesses selling merchandise, competing directly with local hawkers and small-scale traders.
“We have a Bill in Parliament that there are some trading activities that foreigners can’t do in Kenya. By law, nataka mketi chini na wafanyibiashara waangalie kwa sababu hatujapitisha so that we seal all the loopholes so that mtu asitoke China kuja kuwa hawker,” Ruto stated.
He reiterated that Kenya’s efforts to attract foreign investors are intended to bring investment, create jobs, and support economic growth — not to allow foreigners to relocate to engage in small-scale retail.
“Hatujajenga investor confidence ndo hawkers wakuje Kenya. Ile tumejenga ni for investors, si traders and hawkers,” Ruto added.
Local Content Bill Under Review
The Local Content Bill, 2025 proposes that foreign companies source at least 60% of specified goods and services locally where they meet required standards. It also proposes that at least 80% of the workforce of a foreign company should be Kenyan citizens.
Existing Immigration Rules
Kenya already requires foreign nationals engaged in employment, trade or business to obtain the relevant permits, licences or other legal authorisation.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui recently noted that visa-free entry or exemption from Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements does not confer the right to engage in employment, trade or business in Kenya.
“Persons found in contravention of the applicable visa provisions will have their visas revoked in accordance with the law,” he stated.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ No crackdown — Reports of a crackdown on foreign traders are false.
- ✅ Context clarified — Ruto was responding to the Local Content Bill debate.
- ✅ Legal traders protected — Foreign nationals with proper work permits and licences are safe.
- ✅ East Africans welcome — All Africans can live and work in Kenya if they follow the law.
- ✅ Bill under consideration — The Local Content Bill seeks to boost Kenyan participation in the economy.