Foreign nationals operating small businesses in Kenya have been given 90 days to regularise their immigration, work permit, business registration and licensing status before the government begins enforcing the requirements more strictly.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed announced the window on Tuesday, September 8, saying the period would give affected foreigners time to bring their businesses and immigration status into line with Kenyan law.
“Every person conducting business in Kenya is required to comply with applicable immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements,” Hussein said.
He added that the government would use the 90-day period to conduct an orderly regularisation exercise and help those affected comply with the law.
The process will be handled by relevant government agencies in consultation with the embassies of the countries concerned.
The government said this would give foreign nationals a clear and structured way to regularise their immigration status and business operations.
The announcement comes a day after confusion and anxiety among some foreign nationals following President William Ruto’s directive to crack down on illegal small-scale businesses and hawking activities operated by foreigners.
On Monday and Tuesday, hundreds of Burundians reportedly went to their embassy in Nairobi seeking travel documents and assistance amid fears that the government’s directive could lead to harassment or forced departures.
The 90-day window now provides a clearer framework for how the directive will be implemented. It also gives foreigners running small businesses time to understand the requirements and take the necessary steps to become compliant.
According to State House, government agencies will provide guidance during the period and ensure the requirements are applied fairly, consistently and without discrimination.
However, the government has made it clear that the opportunity will not remain open indefinitely.
Once the 90 days are over, immigration, work permit, business registration and licensing requirements will be enforced firmly in accordance with Kenyan law and due process.
The government has also warned against harassment and intimidation of foreign nationals. State House said no individual or group has the authority to threaten, harass or interfere with foreigners or their businesses simply because of the enforcement exercise.
Those who engage in such conduct will face action under the law.For many foreign business owners, the announcement provides some relief after days of uncertainty.
It also makes clear that foreigners who want to continue operating businesses in Kenya will need to ensure they have the required permits, registrations and licences before the regularisation period ends.
