Kenyans Warned Against Harassing Foreign Nationals as Government Explains Crackdown
The Kenyan government has warned members of the public against harassing, intimidating or discriminating against foreign nationals following recent directives aimed at regulating the activities of foreigners engaged in small-scale businesses and informal trade.
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said security agencies and local authorities had been instructed to protect foreign nationals who are legally documented, as well as those currently going through the process of obtaining or regularising their documentation.
Speaking during a government briefing on Monday, September 7, Owino stressed that the recent enforcement measures should not be used as an excuse to target foreigners or encourage hostility against people from other countries.
He said anyone found taking advantage of the government directives to spread xenophobic messages, intimidate foreign nationals or mistreat Kenya’s regional neighbours would be dealt with according to the law.
“Any element seeking to exploit recent directives to fuel xenophobic sentiments or mistreat our neighbours will face the full force of the law,” Owino said.
The government spokesperson further made it clear that foreign nationals should not be subjected to arbitrary harassment or discrimination simply because they are undergoing immigration or documentation procedures.
Owino called on security agencies, county authorities, businesses and members of the public to respect the rights and safety of foreign nationals while the government continues with its efforts to enforce immigration and business regulations.
“The Government of Kenya maintains a policy against any form of harassment, intimidation or xenophobia. The directive to security agencies, local authorities and the business community is that no foreign national, whether documented or undergoing registration, should be subjected to arbitrary harassment or discrimination,” he added.
His remarks came only a few days after President William Ruto issued new directives concerning foreigners involved in small-scale retail businesses and informal trade across the country.
The President directed authorities to stop hawking activities conducted by foreign nationals from Monday, September 7, as part of measures linked to regulating small-scale trade and promoting local participation in the economy under the proposed Local Content Bill 2025.
Following the announcement, several foreign nationals, particularly citizens of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), were seen visiting bus stations, cyber cafes and their respective embassies as they sought to understand the new requirements and address their documentation status.
Some foreign nationals reportedly began making arrangements to leave the country, while others sought temporary passes and other documents that would allow them to remain in Kenya legally as they resolved their immigration and business-related issues.
The enforcement exercise has, however, raised concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in some parts of the country.
There have been reports of harassment, intimidation, violence and alleged theft of property belonging to some foreigners. Video footage circulating from the affected areas has also raised concerns about whether some individuals were using the government directive to settle personal disputes or target foreigners unfairly.
The situation has attracted attention from neighbouring countries, with the Government of Burundi expressing concern about the safety and welfare of its citizens living and working in Kenya.
Burundian authorities said some of their citizens involved in small-scale businesses had allegedly experienced violence, intimidation and loss of property during the enforcement exercise.
The Kenyan government has acknowledged that some foreign nationals from East African countries, including Burundi, have lived and worked in the country without having all the necessary documentation required under Kenyan law.
According to Owino, the lack of proper documentation may expose some of these individuals to exploitation, harassment and other forms of abuse because they may not have valid work permits, business licences or other documents required to operate legally.
He said the government’s intention was to enforce the law and ensure compliance with immigration and business regulations, rather than create an environment where foreigners are subjected to hostility or mistreatment.
The government has therefore urged Kenyans to distinguish between enforcement of the law and acts of xenophobia, stressing that immigration and business regulations must be implemented within the limits of the law.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei visited foreign nationals at their embassy and assured them that the government would take steps to enhance their security while they deal with their documentation challenges.
Sing’Oei said the government was particularly concerned about the safety of foreign nationals living in areas where large numbers of them reside and conduct business.
He revealed that security would be strengthened in several parts of Nairobi, including Muthurwa, Kangemi and Bahati, where many foreign nationals are known to live or operate businesses.
“In the next few days, the Government of Kenya will provide security in the places where you largely live within Nairobi County, such as Muthurwa, Kangemi and Bahati, to prevent harassment as we educate Kenyans on the importance of regional cohesion,” Sing’Oei stated.
The government has also called for calm as the enforcement exercise continues, urging Kenyans to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
Authorities have maintained that foreigners who are in Kenya legally should be allowed to go through the required processes without unnecessary intimidation, while those who do not meet the legal requirements will be handled through the appropriate government procedures.
The latest warning is aimed at preventing the crackdown from creating tension between Kenyans and foreign nationals, particularly citizens from neighbouring East African countries who have lived, worked and conducted business in Kenya for years.
The government is now expected to closely monitor the enforcement exercise and take action against individuals who use the new directives to promote violence, discrimination, xenophobia or attacks against foreign nationals.
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