President William Ruto’s administration has assured Kenyans living in Burundi that they are safe despite the ongoing crackdown on foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses in Kenya.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement on Monday, September 7, Kenya’s Ambassador to Burundi, Henry Wambuma, said Burundi’s bilateral relations with Kenya remain cordial despite the crackdown.

To prevent a similar situation, Wambuma urged Kenyans living in Burundi to fully comply with the country’s legal and administrative requirements even as they continue with their stay abroad.

“I take this opportunity to implore all of you to comply fully with all legal and administrative instructions issued by the host country from time to time,” said Wambuma.

📌 What You Need to Know

“We wish to assure Kenyans living in Burundi that our relations with Burundi remain as cordial as ever before,” he added.

Wambuma also clarified Ruto’s directive, saying the President’s remarks had been taken out of context, leading to what he described as misconceptions.

The envoy said the President's statement was made in reference to the Local Content Bill 2025, which is currently pending before Parliament and seeks to transform trade and investment in the country.

At the same time, Wambuma noted that Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui had issued a press statement on September 6 clarifying the context of the President's remarks.

“I have noted with concern the questions and fears raised by some of you regarding the President's statement. The governments of Kenya and Burundi are working together to correct any misconceptions created,” the Ambassador stated.

The latest clarification comes barely a week after Ruto directed a nationwide crackdown on foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses and engaging in hawking in Kenya without proper licences.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke