Kenya has given foreign nationals conducting businesses in the country 90 days to regularise their immigration, work permit, registration and licensing status before authorities begin enforcing the rules more strictly.
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the exercise follows President William Ruto’s declaration that some small-scale businesses should be reserved for Kenyan citizens as the government seeks to protect economic opportunities in the micro and small-enterprise sector.
“Over the next 90 days, the government will conduct an orderly regularisation exercise to facilitate compliance,” Mohamed said in a statement.
The exercise will be coordinated by relevant government agencies in consultation with foreign embassies, giving affected nationals an opportunity to regularise their immigration status and business operations, Mohamed said.
He said everyone conducting business in Kenya must comply with applicable immigration, work permit, registration and licensing requirements.
“During the 90-day period, government agencies will provide guidance and administer the requirements “fairly, consistently and without discrimination,” he said.
“At the conclusion of the 90-day regularisation period, immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements will be enforced firmly and strictly in accordance with the law and due process,” Mohamed said.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns among Kenyan traders over the participation of foreign nationals in small-scale businesses and informal trade.
According to State House, Ruto received representations from Kenyan traders during an engagement last week over the issue and its impact on people who depend on small businesses for their livelihoods.
Ruto has said the government has a responsibility to protect and expand economic opportunities for Kenyan citizens, particularly in the micro and small-enterprise sector, which supports millions of households.
At the same time, he has affirmed the government’s duty to protect foreign nationals who are lawfully resident, employed, investing or conducting business in Kenya.
Mohamed said Ruto had 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 will identify categories of economic activity that could be reserved for Kenyan citizens while providing legal certainty and protection for foreign nationals legally entitled to work, invest and conduct business in the country.
The government says protecting Kenyan businesses and allowing lawful foreign investment are not mutually exclusive.
“Kenya will protect economic opportunities for its citizens, especially within the micro and small-enterprise sector, while remaining open to lawful foreign investment, enterprise and employment,” Mohamed said.
He warned against individuals taking the law into their own hands or targeting foreign traders.
“The interpretation, implementation and enforcement of the law are the exclusive responsibility of duly authorised State agencies,” he said.
“No individual or group has the authority to harass, intimidate, threaten or interfere with foreign nationals or their businesses.”
Mohamed said anyone engaging in such conduct would face action under the law, adding that concerns over economic opportunities could not justify discrimination, lawlessness or violence.
The government also sought to reassure foreign nationals and investors that Kenya would remain open to lawful business and investment while protecting the rights of people legally within its borders.
The statement reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional integration through frameworks including the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“We will continue to facilitate the movement of people, labour, services and capital in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks,” Mohamed said.
The 90-day period is also expected to give the government time to clarify which categories of small-scale businesses could ultimately be reserved for Kenyan citizens once the proposed legislative framework is enacted.
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