The Kenyan government has refuted a report by the French newspaper Le Monde claiming that President William Ruto directed foreign nationals to shut down small businesses across the country.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei clarified that media outlets took the President’s statements out of context, noting that Ruto made the remarks during a discussion on the Local Content Bill, 2025, which Parliament is currently reviewing.
In a post on X on Sunday, Sing’Oei reassured the public that foreign traders and workers who comply with Kenyan laws can continue operating without interference.
“Le Monde got it wrong. President’s statement has been taken out of context, as he was responding to ongoing debate on the Local Content Bill presently before Parliament,” Sing’Oei said.
The Foreign Affairs PS stated that Kenya protects the rights of all documented foreign workers and business owners, regardless of the size of their operations.
“As such, we assure that small or large traders & employees of all nationalities, with requisite documentation- work permits & licenses- are legally protected to operate in Kenya,” he said.
Addressing specific regional concerns, Sing’Oei pointed out that Kenya welcomes nationals from Burundi and the broader East African region, provided they follow established legal frameworks.
“Burundian nationals and all East Africans- and Africans for that matter- are free to live in Kenya as long as they conduct their businesses or work according to the requirements of our law,” he said.
Sing’Oei issued the clarification following an article published by Le Monde on September 5 under the headline, “In Kenya, President Ruto demands the closure of small businesses run by foreigners.” The report claimed that Ruto had ordered foreign citizens operating small-scale enterprises to stop their activities.
Le Monde based its reporting on comments Ruto made on September 2 during a meeting with small-scale traders at State House in Nairobi. According to the publication, Ruto remarked: “From next week, all traders doing those small businesses should close them.”
While Ruto highlighted Kenya’s commitment to attracting foreign investment, he questioned whether foreign nationals should engage in micro-level enterprises such as hawking and running small retail shops.
The ongoing controversy aligns with debate surrounding the Local Content Bill, 2025, a legislative proposal designed to boost local participation in the national economy. The Bill requires foreign companies to source at least 60 percent of their locally manufactured goods and specific services from Kenyan enterprises, provided those offerings meet required standards. Additionally, the legislation mandates that Kenyan citizens make up at least 80 percent of a foreign firm’s total workforce.
Parliament’s Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives is currently reviewing the proposed law, which lawmakers view as a key mechanism to drive domestic job creation and protect local entrepreneurs.
Existing Kenyan immigration laws already require non-citizens to hold appropriate work permits and business licenses to engage in gainful employment or trade. Under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, applicants must meet specific capital thresholds and obtain local permits before starting business operations.
The legal framework also guarantees separate protections for refugees under the Refugees Act, allowing recognized refugees to seek employment, launch enterprises, or practice professions if they fulfill standard legal requirements.
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