Kenya remains open to foreign nationals engaging in small and large-scale trade, but they must comply with the government’s immigration, work permit, registration and licensing laws, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said.
Mudavadi said the government’s position on foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses was regulatory and not discriminatory.
His remarks follow directives issued by President William Ruto on 2 September concerning small-scale trade and informal retail.
Mudavadi said the directives were intended to protect vulnerable sectors of the economy, promote fair competition and safeguard the livelihoods of Kenyan citizens.
“The directives announced by our president on September 2, 2026, regarding small-scale trade and informal retail should be understood as measures aimed at protecting vulnerable sectors of our economy, promoting fair competition and securing sustainable livelihoods of Kenyan citizens,” Mudavadi said.
He stressed that Kenya was not imposing a blanket ban on foreign nationals running small businesses.
“Kenya is not implementing a blanket ban on foreign nationals engaging in small-scale business but is seeking to ensure that their participation is consistent with the East African Community Common Market Protocol and applicable national law,” he said.
Mudavadi urged citizens of Kenya’s partner states to comply with laws governing entry, residence and the provision of services in the country.
He said Kenyan citizens living and doing business in other East African countries should observe the laws of those countries in the same way.
“Kenya is open to small and large-scale trade by foreign nationalities as long as they are compliant with immigration, work permit, registration and licensing requirements,” he said.
Mudavadi said the government’s approach sought to balance regional integration with the enforcement of domestic laws and regulations.
He also assured foreign nationals operating legally in Kenya that the government would protect them and their businesses.
“Anyone who threatens or interferes with foreign nationals or their businesses will face immediate and the full force of the law. Kenya’s approach is therefore more regulatory rather than discriminatory,” he said.
Kenya is a member of the East African Community and has continued to support regional integration, including the movement of people, capital, goods and services within established legal frameworks.
Mudavadi said the country remained committed to its obligations under the African Union, the EAC, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and other regional organisations.
He also reaffirmed Kenya’s support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the principles of Pan-Africanism, as well as fraternity, dignity and mutual respect among EAC member states.
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