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.

The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has called on the Kenyan government to ensure its crackdown on unlicensed foreign traders is conducted in accordance with the law. In a statement issued in Nairobi, the regional legal body emphasised that enforcement measures against illegal foreign traders must follow due process and respect legal standards. The appeal comes as Kenyan authorities pursue action against foreign nationals trading without proper licences, a move that has drawn attention from legal and business stakeholders across East Africa.

An aide to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has cautioned against the harassment of foreigners working in Kenya. According to Tuko, Rodriques Mulindi stressed the need for professionalism in the ongoing crackdown on unregistered foreign businesses, urging authorities to treat foreigners with respect while enforcing compliance laws. The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of foreign nationals operating enterprises in the country, with officials seeking to balance regulatory enforcement against concerns over mistreatment and discrimination.

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 East Africa Law Society has called on the Kenyan government to end harassment, detention, removal or other adverse treatment of East African Community citizens based solely on their nationality, according to The Kenya Times. In a September 8 statement issued from Arusha, the body also demanded that Kenya publish the legal basis, scope and procedures behind President Ruto's recent order affecting foreigners.

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.