Ruto Gives Foreign Traders 90 Days to Regularise Operations in Kenya

President William Ruto has given foreign nationals conducting business in Kenya a 90-day period to regularise their immigration status and business operations as the government moves to strengthen enforcement of rules governing small-scale trade.

The directive follows concerns raised by Kenyan traders over the participation of foreign nationals in small-scale businesses and informal trade.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said on September 8 that government agencies would use the 90-day period to facilitate compliance with immigration, work permit, business registration and licensing requirements.

Relevant government agencies will provide guidance during the regularisation period and work with embassies to give affected foreign nationals an opportunity to comply with Kenyan requirements.

Once the 90 days expire, the government says immigration, work permit, registration and licensing rules will be strictly enforced in accordance with Kenyan law and due process.

Ruto has also directed that the Local Content Bill, 2025, currently before Parliament, be expanded to establish a framework governing participation in small-scale trade and enterprise.

The proposed framework could identify categories of economic activities reserved for Kenyan citizens while providing legal certainty for foreigners who are legally entitled to work, invest and conduct business in the country.

The government stressed that the policy is not intended to shut out legitimate foreign investment. It said Kenya will continue supporting lawful foreign enterprise, employment and regional economic integration through frameworks including the East African Community and African Continental Free Trade Area.

Authorities have also warned members of the public against harassing or intimidating foreign nationals and their businesses.

The government said enforcement remains the responsibility of authorised state agencies and that concerns over economic opportunities cannot justify discrimination, violence or unlawful interference with foreigners operating in Kenya.