Story perspectives

Kenya Begins Visa Revocations for Foreign Hawkers Ahead Deadline

9/7/2026

Summary

Ruto Enforces Crackdown

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced enforcement of President William Ruto’s directive against foreign small-scale traders.
Visa-free entry or eTA exemption does not permit foreigners to work, trade, or run businesses.
Violators will have their visas revoked under Kenyan law, with enforcement described as transparent and orderly.
President Ruto warned on September 2 that foreign hawkers must close before the September 7 crackdown.

Summary

Ruto Backs Crackdown

Eastleigh trader Siyad Abdullahi praised the crackdown, saying it protects Kenyan job opportunities.
Neighbor Asha Hassan warned the policy could unfairly target Burundian and Rwandan hawkers earning a living.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said legally permitted foreigners remain protected under existing work permits.
Kenya’s 2024 Foreign Investment Survey recorded 1.458 trillion Kenyan shillings ($11.27bn) in FDI, up 8.5 % from 2023.

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Ruto Enforces Crackdown

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced enforcement of President William Ruto’s directive against foreign small-scale traders.
Visa-free entry or eTA exemption does not permit foreigners to work, trade, or run businesses.
Violators will have their visas revoked under Kenyan law, with enforcement described as transparent and orderly.
President Ruto warned on September 2 that foreign hawkers must close before the September 7 crackdown.

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