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.

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.

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.

Kenya’s government has given foreign traders a 90-day regularisation window to comply with the country’s business rules, according to Eastleigh Voice. The outlet reported that once the period ends, authorities will firmly and strictly enforce immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements in line with the law and due process. The warning applies to foreign traders operating under Kenya’s regulatory framework.

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.

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.