Burundians Seek Exit Papers as Kenya’s Crackdown on Foreign Traders Sparks Fear

A new crackdown on foreign-owned small businesses is creating fear and uncertainty among migrant communities in Kenya, particularly Burundians who depend on informal trade to survive.

Reports from Nairobi indicate that hundreds of Burundians have been seeking travel documents from their embassy after President William Ruto directed authorities to act against foreign nationals running businesses without valid work permits. The move followed complaints from Kenyan traders, who have long argued that foreign competitors are undercutting them in retail and other small-scale businesses.

For many Burundians, however, the story is not simply about business permits. It is about survival. Kenya hosts thousands of refugees and asylum seekers from Burundi, some of whom fled political instability, violence and economic hardship. Many have built lives in Nairobi and other towns through small shops, salons, food businesses and informal work.

The crackdown has therefore reopened a difficult national conversation: how can Kenya protect opportunities for its citizens while also respecting the rights and dignity of refugees and legally resident foreigners?

Kenyan traders are right to demand a fair and well-regulated market. Businesses that ignore labour, tax or immigration laws should be held accountable. But enforcement must be transparent and targeted. A blanket approach could leave innocent families stranded, fuel xenophobia and damage Kenya’s image as a regional centre for trade and humanitarian protection.

The government now faces pressure to explain how the directive will be implemented, who will be affected and whether those facing removal will be given a fair opportunity to regularise their status.

For the Burundians queuing for travel papers, the uncertainty is already real. Some are now weighing the painful possibility of leaving behind businesses, friends and communities they have built in Kenya.