Burundians Seek Documents Amid Kenya Trade Curbs

Hundreds of Burundian nationals queued outside the embassy of their country in Nairobi on Monday to obtain passports and travel documents as Kenya prepared to enforce new restrictions affecting foreigners operating small businesses.

Long queues formed outside the Burundian Embassy and nearby cybercafés, with applicants carrying identity cards, passports and permits. Some appeared to be preparing for a possible return to Burundi.

The rush followed President William Ruto’s September 2 directive targeting foreigners involved in hawking and small-scale retail businesses. Ruto said the measure was intended to create more economic opportunities for Kenyan citizens and set September 7 as the start date for enforcement.

The Kenyan government has since clarified that the directive does not amount to a blanket ban on foreign traders.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said foreigners holding valid work permits and business licences remain legally entitled to operate in Kenya. He said Burundians and other East Africans and Africans could continue to live and work in the country as long as they complied with Kenyan laws.

A Burundian Embassy official said issuing travel documents was a routine consular service and was not introduced specifically because of the current situation.

Kenya’s Trade Ministry also said foreigners entering the country under visa-free or tourist arrangements are not automatically permitted to work or conduct business. Those seeking to do so must obtain the required permits and licences.

Kenyan authorities urged citizens not to harass foreign nationals and said there had been no official reports of an exodus or attacks targeting Burundians, Congolese or Rwandans.

The extent to which the new enforcement measures will affect foreign traders with valid documentation remains subject to implementation by Kenyan authorities.

SOURCE: AA