Kenya President Gives Foreign Traders One Week to Leave Small Businesses

(William Ruto. Photo by People Daily)

Kenya's president, William Ruto has told foreign traders to close down their small businesses, saying local traders need protection.

He gave them a week to shut down operations and promised to introduce new laws preventing foreigners from working in certain types of trade.

The president said Kenya welcomes investment, but foreign investors should create jobs and expand production rather than compete with local people selling small items.

He questioned why someone from another country would come to Kenya to work as a street vendor or run a small shop when Kenya is trying to build investor confidence for bigger economic activities.

The president is planning to run for another term next year.

It is not clear exactly how many foreigners are running small businesses in Kenya or who would be affected by the new rules.

Kenya hosts hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants from other African countries, some of whom live and work outside refugee camps.

Kenyan law allows refugees to work and do business if they have the right permits.

In cities, migrants from neighbouring countries work as barbers, construction workers, motorcycle taxi drivers, street vendors and shop owners selling food, clothes and household goods.

Some migrants fled violence or poverty at home, while others came searching for better opportunities in Kenya, which is part of a regional trade group allowing free movement of people between member states.

The growing number of foreigners has sometimes caused conflict with local traders and workers who say migrants are taking their jobs and business chances.

Earlier this year, a video of a Kenyan man arguing with a trader from another country sparked debate about how migrants are treated.

The president's move is expected to be controversial since Kenya is the region's main economic centre, but it comes as several African countries have raised concerns about treatment of migrants.