Uncertainty for Burundians as President William Ruto Orders Foreign-Owned Businesses Closed

Kenya has long attracted migrants from across the East African Community, whose members enjoy freedom of movement within the regional bloc. Last week, Ruto gave foreign-owned small businesses until Monday to shut down, saying the country "has not built investor confidence for hawkers." The move sparked fear among many foreigners, particularly Burundians who make a living through street vending in Nairobi, prompting a rush to secure documents to return home.

"They've Expelled Us Like Animals"

Clutching large brown envelopes, crowds queued for hours outside the Burundi embassy, while suitcases and plastic bags piled up at the compound as many prepared to leave. Pastor Jean-Baptiste Ndayizeye told AFP: "They've expelled us like animals." Ndayizeye said two of his neighbours had been attacked and robbed, comparing the situation to the xenophobic violence in South Africa.

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"What South Africans did to foreigners and what Kenyans are doing is the same thing," he said, adding that it was unfair they had received no warning. Another Burundian, Eric Bizimana, who came to Kenya in 2022 after years of unemployment at home, said he had never applied for a work permit because of the high cost.

"There are so many people who have come here and we don't know when we will get any help. I am not going home by choice. I have been forced to go," said Peter Nakumujango, 62. Munezero Farnke, 18, who had lived in Kenya for three years without identification, told journalists: "They should give us at least a week to plan and go back to Burundi or help us cross the border."

Regional Tensions Escalate

Burundi, a country of about 15 million people and one of the world's poorest, is part of the EAC alongside Kenya, the region's economic powerhouse. Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana condemned the "violence against foreigners, particularly Burundians," warning that "Kenyans in Burundi were living peacefully but if the hate speech against Burundi continues things will certainly change."

"The Kenya government is responsible for the lives of Burundians living in Kenya," he posted on X. "Letting Kenyan civilians do the work of the police gives the impression of a failed state because it gives free rein to violence, to looting, and to xenophobia."

The East Africa Law Society warned that while Kenya has the authority to regulate economic activity, "nationality should not, in itself, be treated as evidence of illegality." EALS President Ramadhan Abubakar stressed that Kenya's Constitution, domestic legislation and obligations under the EAC treaty must guide enforcement.

A Diplomatic Apology and Registration Window

Kenya's junior foreign minister Korir Sing'Oei visited the embassy later on Monday, apologised to Burundians and assured them police would protect areas where violence had been reported. "I want to say sorry to all the Burundi nationals here because of the problem that you have befallen you," Sing'Oei said, acknowledging the message had been misunderstood and led to some facing ridicule from neighbours.

"Our main aim is to know how you are living, where you are, that you have identification, and that your jobs are registered," he said. Government spokesperson Charles Owino said authorities had opened a "formal documentation and registration window" and called on Burundians to present their paperwork at their embassy.

"The government recognises that due to historical circumstances and regional dynamics, a number of East African nationals, including several Burundians, reside and operate in Kenya without full documentation," Owino said. Individuals entering the registration process will be presumed legally present in Kenya for the duration of the designated registration period.

A Dangerous Precedent?

Critics accused Ruto of scapegoating foreigners for the country's economic difficulties ahead of next year's election. Alexis Ntinanirwa, leader of the Association of Burundians living in Kenya, cautioned that the dispute threatens broader diplomatic stability: "This issue is not only going to cause problems for Burundians working in Kenya, but it is also going to cause problems in the region because there are also Kenyans doing these small jobs in our countries in Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda."

The government has stressed that the crackdown is not a blanket ban on foreign nationals. Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui clarified that foreigners who are legally documented should not be targeted. Foreign Affairs PS Sing'Oei reiterated that "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."

However, the scenes outside the Burundi embassy and the diplomatic backlash from Burundi have exposed how a policy aimed at regulating the informal economy can quickly escalate into a regional crisis. With next year's election approaching, the crackdown has placed Kenya's reputation as a stable, welcoming East African hub under unprecedented scrutiny.

With reporting from AFP, GhanaWeb, The EastAfrican, SABC News, Pulse Kenya, allAfrica.com, Nairobi News, Voice of Nigeria, ARN News Centre and ESBS ENUGU TV.