President William Ruto has directed the Government to give foreign nationals conducting businesses in Kenya 90 days to regularise their immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over the increasing participation of foreign nationals in small-scale businesses and informal trade, with Kenyan traders arguing that the trend is affecting livelihoods and economic opportunities in the micro and small-enterprise sector.
According to a statement issued by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the President issued the directive after receiving representations from Kenyan traders during an engagement last week.
Ruto has also directed that the Local Content Bill, 2025 (National Assembly Bill No. 45 of 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 protection and certainty for foreign nationals who are lawfully entitled to work, invest and conduct business in the country.
90-day window for compliance
The Government will undertake an orderly 90-day regularisation exercise aimed at giving affected foreign nationals an opportunity to comply with the law.
The exercise will be coordinated by relevant Government agencies in consultation with the embassies of the affected foreign nationals.
During the period, authorities will provide guidance on the requirements for regularising immigration status and business operations.
However, the Government has warned that once the 90-day period expires, immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements will be strictly enforced in accordance with the law and due process.
The State House statement stressed that the exercise would be administered fairly, consistently and without discrimination.
Government warns against harassment
The Government has at the same time warned Kenyans against taking the law into their own hands or targeting foreign nationals and their businesses.
State House emphasised that only duly authorised State agencies have the mandate to interpret, implement and enforce the law.
“No individual or group has the authority to harass, intimidate, threaten or interfere with foreign nationals or their businesses,” the statement said.
The Government warned that individuals found engaging in such conduct would face action in accordance with the law.
Kenya maintains commitment to regional integration
The directive comes as Kenya seeks to balance the protection of economic opportunities for its citizens with its commitments to regional integration and international trade.
The Government reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the East African Community, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the movement of people, labour, services and capital within applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
Ruto’s administration said protecting Kenyan traders and maintaining an open economy were not conflicting objectives.
“Legitimate concerns about economic opportunity can never justify discrimination, excuse lawlessness or sanction violence,” the statement said.
The Government maintained that Kenya would remain open to lawful foreign investment, enterprise and employment while safeguarding opportunities for Kenyan citizens.
