
Kenya and Burundi have moved to strengthen bilateral relations even as Kenyan authorities crack down on undocumented foreign business operators. According to the ruling UDA party, undocumented Burundian nationals living in Kenya will be given up to 90 days to regularise their immigration status and obtain the required work permits to continue operating legally in the country. The measure reflects Nairobi's broader effort to manage foreign nationals working in Kenya while maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with its East African neighbour.
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Kenyan President William Ruto has granted foreign nationals running businesses in the country, including Burundians, a 90-day window to regularise their immigration status and business operations. According to The Kenya Times, the directive is part of a government effort to tighten enforcement of rules governing small-scale trade. The move follows complaints from Kenyan traders about the increasing involvement of foreigners in small-scale businesses and the informal trade sector.
The Kenya Times·September 8, 2026 at 9:55 AM
According to Tuko, the Kenyan government has introduced a condition that Burundian nationals must meet to operate small businesses in Kenya. The report says the requirement was announced as authorities pursue a broader crackdown on foreigners, but the provided text does not specify the exact condition, affected sectors, enforcement timeline, or how many Burundian business owners could be impacted.
Tuko·September 8, 2026 at 4:33 AMKenya's government on Tuesday gave foreigners running businesses in the country 90 days to obtain or update required documents, including work permits and business licenses. According to presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, government agencies will carry out the process. The move followed remarks by the president about foreign-owned businesses that sparked panic in immigrant communities in Nairobi and elsewhere.
AP Top News·September 8, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Police in Nairobi have arrested a man accused of making inciteful remarks targeting Burundians living in Kenya, according to the Eastleigh Voice. The arrest comes as the Kenyan government prepares to register and document undocumented Burundians and other East African Community nationals residing in the country. Officials say the process is intended to give those without proper documentation an opportunity to formalise their status and establish their legal position in Kenya.
Eastleigh Voice·September 8, 2026 at 5:18 PMBurundian nationals living in Kenya are reportedly rushing to leave the country ahead of an anticipated government crackdown on foreign traders, according to the Sowetan. The reported exodus follows a call by Kenya's president for authorities to shut down all small-scale businesses operated by foreigners who lack valid permits. The directive targets unpermitted foreign-owned enterprises, and its announcement has heightened anxiety among immigrant trading communities, prompting many Burundians to prepare for departure before enforcement begins.
Sowetan·September 8, 2026 at 7:09 AM
Tuko has published a guide explaining how Burundians and other foreign nationals can register to live and work in Kenya. The guidance follows an announcement that triggered widespread anxiety across Kenya and the broader East African region, with Burundian nationals reportedly seen outside their embassy carrying travel documents. The article outlines the registration process and requirements for foreigners seeking legal residency and employment in the country.
Tuko·September 9, 2026 at 7:36 AM