President William Ruto has given foreign nationals operating businesses in Kenya 90 days to regularise their immigration status and business operations before the government begins strict enforcement of the law.
The directive was announced by State House on September 8, 2026, following growing concerns from Kenyan traders over the increasing participation of foreign nationals in small-scale businesses and informal trade.
The 90-day window will cover immigration status, work permits, business registration and licensing requirements, giving affected traders an opportunity to bring their operations into compliance.
Government to Review Foreign Participation in Small Businesses
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the regularisation exercise will be coordinated by relevant government agencies in consultation with the embassies of affected foreign nationals.
During the 90-day period, government agencies are expected to provide guidance and administer the requirements fairly and without discrimination.
After the window closes, immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing rules will be enforced firmly and strictly, in accordance with the law and due process.
The announcement follows representations made by Kenyan traders during an engagement with Ruto last week. The traders raised concerns over competition from foreign nationals in small-scale businesses, arguing that the trend was affecting Kenyans who rely on micro and small enterprises for their livelihoods.
Ruto has consequently directed that the Local Content Bill, 2025, which is currently before Parliament, be expanded to establish a framework governing participation in small-scale trade and enterprise.
The proposed framework is expected to identify categories of economic activity that could be reserved for Kenyan citizens while providing legal certainty for foreign nationals who are lawfully resident, employed, investing or conducting business in the country.
Government Warns Against Harassment of Foreign Nationals
While announcing the tougher enforcement measures, the government stressed that the directive does not amount to a blanket ban on foreign businesses.
Mohamed said Kenya would continue to support lawful foreign investment, employment and enterprise, as well as regional integration through the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He also warned individuals and groups against taking the law into their own hands by harassing, threatening or interfering with foreign nationals or their businesses.
The government said legitimate concerns over economic opportunities cannot justify discrimination, violence or lawlessness.
The 90-day regularisation period is therefore expected to serve both as a compliance window for foreign traders and as an opportunity for the government to clarify which small-scale economic activities may ultimately be reserved for Kenyan citizens.
