Kenya is open to small and large-scale trade by foreign nationalities, as long as they are well documented and have the necessary approvals.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei speaks at an innovation pavillion in Nairobi on May 10, 2026. Photo: Korir Sing'oei/X
Reports that President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on foreigners operating small businesses in Kenya are inaccurate, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oi now says.
The PS, responding to a news report by French publisher Le Monde, said Ruto’s statements were taken out of context.
According to Sing’oei, Kenya is open to small and large-scale trade by foreign nationalities, as long as they are well documented and have the necessary approvals.
“We assure that small or large traders & employees of all nationalities, with requisite documentation — work permits & licenses — are legally protected to operate in Kenya,” said Sing’oei.
“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 added.
The PS’s response follows unease over President Ruto’s statement on Wednesday, where he appeared to address hawking and other small-scale trading activities by foreign nationals.
Speaking after meeting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) traders at State House on September 2, Ruto referenced 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.
The President said a Bill currently before Parliament seeks to restrict foreign nationals from engaging in certain trading activities in Kenya.
President Ruto maintained that Kenya's efforts to attract foreign investors were not to enable foreigners to relocate to the country to engage in small-scale retail activities.
"Hatujajenga investor confidence ndo hawkers wakuje Kenya. Ile tumejenga ni for investors, si traders and hawkers," Ruto stated.
Follow the story
