A foreign towel hawker in Kenya says he lost all his belongings to robbers and is now struggling to afford travel home, with his mother reportedly preparing to sell land to raise his fare. According to Tuko, the man appealed to President William Ruto for more time to organise his departure amid an ongoing crackdown on foreigners in the country.

Foreign nationals play a prominent role across Kenya's business landscape, according to The Kenya Times, ranging from Burundian roadside vendors selling coffee and mandazi in Nairobi to Arab and South Asian traders dealing in electronics and phone accessories. The report notes that foreign entrepreneurs and companies are also active in barber shops, large retail outlets, import businesses and construction projects, highlighting the diverse sectors where non-Kenyans have established a visible commercial presence.

Tuko reports that a Burundian man who has lived in Kenya for 10 years broke down after his shop was allegedly looted overnight, wiping out stock he said took a decade to build. In a video cited by the outlet, he says “Mmeniharibia maisha,” expressing that his life has been destroyed. The blurb does not provide the shop’s location, the value of losses, possible suspects, or details of any police investigation.

Concerns about xenophobia are growing in Kenya following President William Ruto's order for a crackdown on foreigners working as hawkers. According to the Eastleigh Voice, the move has raised fears that foreign nationals could face discrimination or hostility. The Kenyan government has, however, insisted that foreign traders who are legally documented will remain protected under the law. The development has drawn attention to the treatment of migrant workers and traders in the country, as authorities balance enforcement measures with assurances of protection for those with valid documentation.

Hundreds of foreign traders, including Ugandans, have begun leaving Kenya after a directive by President William Ruto restricting foreigners from small-scale trade took effect on 7 September, according to the Uganda Standard. A group of affected Ugandans arrived at the Busia border crossing after departing Kenya. Ruto issued the order on 2 September, prompting the exodus of hawkers and other foreign small-scale traders from the country.

A Kenyan woman, Peris Maranga, drew attention for an act of kindness toward a hawker in Nakuru. According to Tuko, Maranga paid the vendor for her entire stock of goods but then told the woman to keep everything and continue selling it. The gesture, described as touching, allowed the hawker to earn both from the payment and from reselling her merchandise.