Kenya's president, William Ruto, has ordered the closure of small businesses run by foreigners, prompting a surge in Burundians seeking travel documents from their embassy in Nairobi. The directive, announced during a meeting with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at State House, Nairobi, has led to uncertainty among foreign nationals, particularly Burundians, who have flooded the embassy to obtain travel papers.
The move comes as part of a broader crackdown on foreign-operated small businesses, with the government directing enforcement to begin on Monday, September 7, 2026. Burundians in Nairobi, fearing the impact of the policy, have been seeking assistance to return home. The Burundian embassy has responded by issuing free travel documents, easing movement within the East African Community.
The policy has sparked debate over Kenya’s approach to regulating foreign economic activity. While the government cites the need for national control, critics argue the measure could disrupt local economies and affect migrant communities. Meanwhile, other developments in Nairobi, such as the launch of a major data centre, highlight the city’s ongoing role in Kenya’s digital and economic expansion.
