Admin
Nairobi – Regional Agencies / Al-Wadi Weekly Newspaper
The Kenyan government on Monday announced the opening of a special window for the registration and regularization of the status of East African nationals residing in the country irregularly or without complete residence documents, stressing that the latest presidential directives do not target any particular nationality.
In an official statement, the government said the directives issued by Kenyan President William Ruto on September 2 are aimed at regulating small-scale retail and informal trade activities as part of the government’s proposed Local Content Bill, with the objective of protecting the national economy and employment opportunities for Kenyans.
Nairobi stressed that the measures do not constitute a blanket ban on foreigners, noting that several countries in the region are also moving toward adopting similar legislation to regulate commercial activities and protect the interests of their citizens.
Registration and Regularization
The Kenyan government called on East African nationals who do not have complete residence documentation, particularly Burundian citizens, to visit their respective embassies and high commissions in Kenya to register their details and work toward regularizing their legal status.
The government said the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs would coordinate with the Embassy of Burundi and other diplomatic missions in Nairobi to facilitate the registration and documentation process and ensure that individual cases are handled in an orderly manner.
The authorities assured those who register during the designated period that they would be treated as lawful residents in Kenya throughout the regularization process. This would allow them to access healthcare and banking services and receive legal protection without facing arrest or deportation because of their incomplete status.
“Zero Tolerance” for Harassment
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government announced a policy of “zero tolerance” toward any acts of harassment, intimidation or incitement of xenophobia, following concerns among nationals of several East African countries after the issuance of directives concerning businesses operated by foreigners without work permits.
The government spokesperson said security agencies and local administrations had received clear instructions not to target lawful residents or individuals who had begun the process of regularizing their status under the mechanisms announced by the government.
The spokesperson added that the purpose of the special registration period was to help undocumented residents move out of an irregular status and ensure that they have access to essential services and legal protection while completing the regularization process.
Concerns Among Burundian Nationals
The presidential directives had caused concern among some foreign nationals, particularly Burundians. The area around the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi reportedly became crowded as large numbers of young people sought travel documents, amid reports that some had received threats from members of their local communities.
According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Kenya hosts approximately 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers, some of whom are engaged in small-scale commercial activities, including coffee and second-hand clothing sales.
Commitment to Free Movement in East Africa
The Kenyan government rejected what it described as “misleading reports” suggesting that it had imposed a blanket ban on foreigners, reaffirming its commitment to the East African Community Common Market Protocol, which provides for the facilitation of the free movement of persons, workers and residence among member states.
The government warned that any attempt to exploit the measures to incite hatred or target foreigners would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
Nairobi also reaffirmed its appreciation for the contribution of nationals from across the region to trade, culture and development, stressing that Kenya would continue to welcome citizens of East African countries as part of the region’s shared integration framework.
In this regard, Kenya’s special envoy to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Koriir Sing’oei, announced measures to provide security protection in several areas, including Muthurwa, Kangemi and Bhati, to prevent abuses or attacks against foreign nationals.
The Kenyan government is expected to release further details in the coming days on registration, documentation and residence procedures, in coordination with diplomatic missions of East African countries in Nairobi.
