Kenya is tightening immigration rules for foreigners as authorities step up scrutiny of non-citizens living and working in the country. According to NTV Uganda, the move has raised concern among expatriates, migrant workers and businesses that depend on foreign talent. Kenyan officials, however, argue that immigration laws must be respected and that job opportunities should be protected for citizens. The crackdown signals a stricter enforcement approach toward foreign residents and workers.

Kenya's Ambassador to Burundi, Henry Wambuma, has assured Kenyan citizens living in Burundi that they remain safe, stating that bilateral relations between the two East African nations remain intact despite an ongoing crackdown on foreign small-scale traders in Kenya. In a diplomatic address issued on Monday, September 7, 2026, Wambuma urged Kenyans residing in Burundi to remain calm, according to Ghafla Kenya.

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.

Burundian 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.

Hundreds of Burundians queued outside their embassy in Nairobi on Monday seeking travel documents to return home, following President William Ruto's order for a crackdown on small-scale foreign traders in Kenya. According to Khusoko, most of those in line were young men, some carrying suitcases or a single bag of belongings. The development signals rising pressure on foreign traders operating in the country and prompted many Burundian nationals to prepare for departure.

The Kenyan government has outlined new requirements targeting foreigners operating small businesses in the country, as it moves to enforce an order issued by President William Ruto, according to Soko Directory. The crackdown specifies which foreign nationals and business activities fall within its scope, though full details of the requirements were not provided in the initial report. The measures form part of broader efforts by the administration to regulate foreign participation in the small business sector.