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.

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.

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.

The Kenyan government has clarified recent directives affecting foreign workers engaged in small-scale trade, assuring that the measures are intended to facilitate their stay as immigrants. According to the Kenya News Agency, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said the directives, issued by President William Ruto on September 2, 2026, are aimed at regulating small-scale retail and informal trade rather than targeting immigrants unfairly. The clarification follows public attention to the presidential directive and its implications for foreign traders operating in the country's informal sector.

Kenya has given foreign workers 90 days to formalise their status or face unspecified action, according to Vanguard. The report follows President Ruto’s statement last week that foreigners are not allowed to work as hawkers or run small shops, with an initial deadline of Monday to cease such activity. The measure signals tighter enforcement of work and trade rules affecting migrants.

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.