Kenyan political analyst Arnold Maliba has argued that Burundian nationals are not the country's real problem, blaming President William Ruto's leadership instead, according to Tuko. The remarks follow Ruto's 2 September announcement of a crackdown on foreign hawkers and small-scale traders, with enforcement beginning on 7 September. The directive has drawn criticism from figures like Maliba, who contend the government's economic management, rather than foreign traders, is to blame for Kenya's challenges.

The Kenyan government has denied a report by French newspaper Le Monde alleging that President William Ruto ordered foreign nationals to close small businesses across the country. Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei said the President's remarks were taken out of context, explaining they were made during discussions on the Local Content Bill, 2025, currently under parliamentary review. In a post on X, Sing'Oei assured that foreign traders and workers complying with Kenyan laws may continue operating.

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.

President William Ruto has defended his order for Tata Chemicals Magadi to exit Kenya, hitting back at criticism from the Linda Mwananchi political movement. Speaking at a rally in Magadi, Kajiado County, Ruto accused opposition leaders of failing to understand natural resource exploitation, and dismissed calls to invoke the rule of law, arguing legal principles cannot protect contracts that exploit Kenyans, according to Nairobi Wire.

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.

Kenyan President William Ruto has said his government is preparing a policy to end the export of raw minerals from the country, requiring companies to invest locally, add value to minerals and create jobs. Speaking in Samburu County, Ruto said he had personally intervened to halt mineral shipments from Magadi. He said the policy would cover all national resources, including oil, gold and rare minerals, declaring that Kenya would no longer sell unprocessed minerals abroad.