Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1,047
- 625
A group of businesspeople, including East Africans, have been expelled from Kenya, with many already arriving back in their home countries following President William Ruto’s directive restricting foreigners from operating small-scale businesses such as hawking and running small shops.
Kenya says the move is aimed at protecting opportunities for its citizens, while maintaining that the country remains open to foreign investment.
But the crackdown has sparked a wider regional debate.
The East African Business Council (EABC) has called for the protection of legitimate cross-border service providers, warning that enforcement should not create unnecessary barriers to regional trade.
With the EAC pushing for the free movement of people, services and trade, does Kenya’s move protect local livelihoods—or could similar restrictions undermine the very idea of East African integration?
Should other EAC countries adopt similar measures? What does this mean for the future of regional integration?
Kenya says the move is aimed at protecting opportunities for its citizens, while maintaining that the country remains open to foreign investment.
But the crackdown has sparked a wider regional debate.
The East African Business Council (EABC) has called for the protection of legitimate cross-border service providers, warning that enforcement should not create unnecessary barriers to regional trade.
With the EAC pushing for the free movement of people, services and trade, does Kenya’s move protect local livelihoods—or could similar restrictions undermine the very idea of East African integration?
Should other EAC countries adopt similar measures? What does this mean for the future of regional integration?