Executive directives from Kenyan President William Ruto ordering the closure of foreign-operated small-scale businesses trigger deep uncertainty and temporary closures across migrant communities in Nairobi
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — Foreign nationals engaged in small-scale trade in Kenya, including Ethiopians and Eritreans, have been living in fear following executive orders issued by Kenyan President William Ruto directing authorities to close small businesses operated by foreign nationals. Ethiopians operating small businesses in Nairobi stated that the directive has placed their future in the country in deep uncertainty.
President Ruto issued the directive to officials to close all foreign-operated small businesses after holding discussions with local traders opposing government tax reforms. Following complaints from local business owners regarding unfair competition from foreign traders, President Ruto ordered the enforcement to begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, placing foreign communities in a state of alarm.
A leadership member of the Horn of Africa Migrants’ Voice association stated that Ethiopians and Eritreans operating small businesses in the Jamhuri area of Nairobi, where migrant communities are concentrated, faced immediate threats and intimidation following the President’s order. Community members noted that the intimidation came primarily from local youth groups rather than official government bodies, forcing foreign-owned businesses across Jamhuri and surrounding neighborhoods to completely close operations on Monday to prevent conflict.
To safeguard community members and property, the association notified Ethiopian and Eritrean business owners in Jamhuri to keep their shops closed through Sunday and Monday. Local police deployed to secure commercial property—including restaurants, beauty salons, and retail shops, estimated at least two hundred in total—cooperated with traders. However, multi-agency task forces comprising government administrators, local officials, and immigration officers conducted house-to-house searches in Jamhuri, arresting 28 Ethiopian and Eritrean nationals, 12 of whom remained in detention through midweek.
Small businesses in Jamhuri resumed operations starting Tuesday following clarification from authorities. In an official statement, the Kenyan government granted foreign nationals a grace period to fulfill residency credentials, business permits, and identification requirements.
Despite the temporary relief, local traders expressed concern that the new orders do not provide realistic guarantees for foreign nationals who cannot fulfill strict permit requirements. The President’s Office warned that upon the expiration of the compliance period, all national migration and business laws will be fully enforced.
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