President William Ruto has said Kenya will remain open to foreign workers, businesses and investment, while urging Kenyans not to target foreigners operating small enterprises in the country.
Ruto said foreign nationals who contribute to Kenya’s economy should be allowed to operate within the law, stressing the importance of maintaining an environment that attracts investment and supports economic activity.
His remarks come after a backlash over an earlier government directive restricting foreign nationals from hawking and operating certain small retail businesses.
The directive reportedly caused hundreds of Burundian nationals to seek assistance at their embassy amid concerns over their businesses and legal status in Kenya.
The government has since given affected foreign traders 90 days to regularise their documentation and comply with the relevant requirements.
Ruto’s latest comments signal an effort to distinguish between enforcing immigration and business regulations and targeting foreign nationals because of their nationality.
The President urged Kenyans to avoid hostility towards foreigners and said the country would continue to welcome foreign workers, entrepreneurs and investors who operate in accordance with Kenyan laws.
Mustaqbal
