Kenya: Crackdown on foreign traders prompts xenophobia fears

Kenyan authorities are moving in on some foreign nationals working in the country's informal economy after President William Ruto called for small-scale businesses focused on hawking and petty retail to be primarily reserved for Kenyan citizens.

"We have a bill in parliament [requiring] that there are some trading activities that foreigners can't do in Kenya," he explained, adding that foreign nationals should not come to Kenya to compete with citizens in business settings which need little capital.

The government had announced that the enforcement of this law would begin on Monday, September 7 — and appears to have made good on its pledge.

Ruto framed the latest move as a protection measure for Kenya's economy, highlighting that the focus in the country's economic development should shift to foreign investors who bring capital, create jobs and contribute to local production.

"The investor confidence we have built is for investors, not traders and hawkers. From next week, all traders doing those small businesses should close them," Ruto emphasized, highlighting also that there has been a step increase in informal traders from China in the country.

Reactions among Kenyans to these developments have been mixed; some welcomed the crackdown, arguing that foreign traders have been taking away job opportunities in a struggling economy.

"We have been suffering for long. Our jobs are taken," said Nairobi resident James Mwaurah, adding that many Kenyans are unemployed, competing with foreign workers who often are willing to work for lower wages.

"We say thanks to the president for what he has done," Mwaurah added.