Hundreds of Burundian nationals living in Kenya have visited the Embassy of Burundi along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi to obtain passports, emergency travel documents and other official paperwork.
Large numbers of Burundians were seen inside the embassy compound on Monday morning, while others queued at a nearby cyber café as they sought assistance with their documentation.
Those waiting were carrying identification cards, passports and permits as they awaited services from the embassy.
The issuance of travel documents is a routine service offered by the diplomatic mission. However, the increased turnout comes amid heightened concern among foreign nationals following President William Ruto’s recent directive targeting foreigners involved in small-scale businesses.
Videos circulating online have also purportedly shown some foreign nationals gathering at bus terminals with their belongings, apparently preparing to return to their home countries.
Others are reportedly obtaining travel documents in preparation for a possible departure from Kenya.
Police, however, have urged the public not to target foreigners suspected of operating businesses illegally.
Authorities said they had not received reports of harassment involving foreign nationals, particularly those from Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Police also said they had no reports confirming a mass departure of the affected foreigners.
The developments follow President Ruto’s September 2 directive for an immediate crackdown on foreigners operating small businesses in Kenya.
Speaking to traders from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector at State House in Nairobi, Ruto instructed the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry to begin enforcement measures, arguing that Kenyan traders should be protected from unfair competition.
He directed Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui to commence the exercise after returning from Addis Ababa, while Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana was tasked with consulting stakeholders on a Bill before Parliament seeking to reserve certain businesses for Kenyan citizens.
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Ruto said the investor confidence developed by Kenya was intended to attract investors rather than foreign hawkers and small-scale traders.
The President’s remarks were later clarified by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei.
Sing’oei said Kenya remains open to foreign traders and employees as long as they possess the necessary documentation, work permits and business licences.
He further assured foreign nationals that those operating within the law are protected and can continue living and working in Kenya.
Sing’oei specifically stated that Burundians, as well as other East Africans and Africans, are free to reside in Kenya provided they comply with the country’s laws governing employment and business activities.
Despite the government’s clarification, the large numbers of Burundians seeking travel documents in Nairobi suggest that some remain concerned about the implications of the crackdown on foreign-owned small businesses.
