The Kenyan government has given foreign nationals operating businesses in the country 90 days to regularise their immigration and business status before enforcement measures begin.
The directive requires affected foreigners to update documentation including work permits, immigration status, business registration and operating licences. The government said the exercise is intended to bring undocumented workers and business operators into compliance with Kenyan and East African Community regulations.
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the government would work with foreign embassies during the process and stressed that the exercise should not be interpreted as permission for harassment or intimidation.
“Every person conducting business in Kenya is required to comply with applicable immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements,” Mohamed said. He added that the 90-day period would allow authorities to conduct an “orderly regularization exercise” to facilitate compliance.
The announcement follows President William Ruto’s recent directive targeting foreign nationals involved in small-scale trading. His remarks triggered anxiety among immigrant communities, particularly Burundians and Congolese living and working in Kenya. Hundreds of Burundian nationals subsequently visited their embassy in Nairobi seeking documentation and, in some cases, travel papers to return home.
Kenyan authorities have sought to reassure foreign residents that those who comply with the rules will be protected. Government officials have also warned against xenophobia, discrimination and violence against foreign nationals.
The issue is significant because Kenya is a major economic hub in East Africa and attracts workers, traders and investors from across the region. The country is also part of the EAC, whose framework provides for movement of people, goods and services among member states.
Kenya’s immigration rules already require foreigners residing in the country for more than 90 days to register and obtain the appropriate documentation.
The new grace period therefore gives undocumented foreign workers and business operators an opportunity to regularise their status before authorities begin stricter enforcement.
