NAIROBI — Kenyan President William Ruto has directed authorities to intensify the enforcement of rules against foreigners operating small-scale businesses in the country.
The crackdown is expected to begin on Monday, September 7, with Ruto ordering the closure of businesses operated by foreign nationals in the small-trading sector.
Speaking during a meeting with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) traders, Ruto said small-scale businesses should primarily be reserved for Kenyan citizens.
“From next week, all traders doing those small businesses should close them,” Ruto said.
The President said his administration had introduced measures aimed at strengthening Kenya’s economy and improving the country’s investment environment.
He argued that allowing foreigners to dominate small-scale trading could undermine opportunities for Kenyan citizens seeking to earn a living through micro and small businesses.
Ruto therefore directed the relevant authorities to ensure that foreign nationals operating in the sector comply with the new directive.
The move is expected to affect foreigners involved in various forms of small-scale trading, although the government is yet to provide a detailed breakdown of the businesses and categories that will be targeted.
The directive comes as the Kenyan government seeks to promote local participation in the country’s small and medium enterprise sector.
