Expelled Ugandans Arrive at Busia Border as Kenya Cracks Down on Foreign Traders

[Da Dona]

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A group of Ugandans expelled from Kenya has arrived at the Busia border following a directive by Kenyan President William Ruto ordering foreign nationals engaged in small-scale businesses to leave the sector.

The development follows President Ruto’s announcement of a crackdown on foreigners operating small businesses, as his administration seeks to protect opportunities for Kenyan traders and hawkers.

Speaking to small-scale traders at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, Ruto said foreign nationals involved in businesses such as hawking and running small shops would be required to stop.

“From next week, all [foreign] traders doing those small businesses should close them,” Ruto said, adding that proposed legislation would be fast-tracked to restrict foreigners from certain areas of trade.​

Ruto said Kenya remains open to foreign investment but argued that foreign investors should focus on creating jobs and expanding production rather than competing with Kenyans in small-scale businesses.
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“It cannot be that a person comes from China or elsewhere to be a hawker or open a small shop,” he said.​

The exact number of foreign nationals affected by the directive remains unclear, raising concerns among migrant communities and businesses operating across Kenya.

Impact on East African migrants
The directive could have a significant impact on migrants from neighbouring countries who rely on Kenya’s informal economy for their livelihoods.

In Nairobi and other major towns, migrants from across the region work in barber shops and salons, construction, motorcycle transport, street vending and the sale of clothes, food and household goods.

Some moved to Kenya after fleeing conflict or economic hardship, while others relocated in search of economic opportunities under the relatively free movement of people within the East African Community (EAC).

Kenya is also home to a large refugee population. Government figures indicate that about 857,000 refugees and asylum seekers were registered in the country by the end of June, with nearly 14% living in urban areas.

Kenyan law allows refugees to work and operate businesses, provided they obtain the required documentation and permits.

Rising tensions
Ruto’s announcement comes amid growing tensions between foreign traders and some Kenyan business communities, with local traders accusing foreigners of competing for already limited jobs and business opportunities.

In July, a video showing a Kenyan man confronting a Burundian trader in Nairobi and accusing him of taking opportunities from locals sparked widespread criticism.

The incident prompted Fred Ngoga, a Burundian expert in regional conflict prevention, to call for the protection of Burundian citizens in Kenya.

He said most Kenyans remained welcoming towards citizens from neighbouring countries and had rejected the hostility directed at the trader.

The arrival of the expelled Ugandans at Busia now brings the impact of Kenya’s new policy closer to home, highlighting the delicate balance between protecting local economic opportunities and maintaining the regional movement of people and trade within East Africa.

Source: BBC
Video by NTV UG​