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.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has warned against a blanket crackdown on foreign traders, saying enforcement of immigration, employment and business laws must comply with the Constitution. According to the Commission, such enforcement must be carried out without discrimination based on nationality, cautioning authorities against measures that unfairly target foreigners.

A trader at Nairobi's Gikomba market has explained why she prefers hiring Burundian workers, as President Ruto's government cracks down on foreigners employed in small businesses. According to Tuko, the trader warned that the departure of Burundian shoe washers from the market is affecting operations, highlighting her concerns over the impact of the enforcement measures targeting foreign workers in the informal sector.

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.

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.