East African human rights organisations, including the East African Law Society and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, have cautioned President William Ruto over his administration's crackdown on foreign-run small businesses. According to the Eastleigh Voice, the bodies warned that enforcement must comply with the law and avoid discrimination, profiling, and rights violations against foreign nationals operating in Kenya.

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.

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 Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has cautioned President William Ruto's administration over potential human rights violations linked to a crackdown on foreign nationals engaged in small-scale trade. According to Tuko, the KNCHR highlighted widespread community concerns surrounding the operation, urging the government to ensure that enforcement measures respect the rights and dignity of those affected by the exercise.

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.

Opposition leaders, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, have criticised President William Ruto's handling of a crackdown on foreign traders in Kenya, the Eastleigh Voice reports. Maraga said the enforcement exercise, which began on Monday, September 7, was based on a presidential directive rather than an enacted law. He argued that the government cannot use a State House announcement to alter Kenya's constitutional and regional obligations.