NAIROBI, Kenya Sep 8 – The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has cautioned the government against using blanket measures to enforce immigration and business regulations targeting foreign nationals, warning that such actions could lead to human rights violations.

📻 Breaking It Down

The Commission said enforcement of immigration, employment and business laws must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution and without discrimination based on nationality.

The warning comes days after President William Ruto directed the immediate closure of small businesses operated by foreign nationals.

The President issued the directive on September 2, with the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry issuing a statement on September 6 clarifying the Government’s position on work visa applications for foreign nationals.

📌 What You Need to Know

In a statement on Tuesday, KNCHR Chairperson Claris Ogangah said the Commission had received petitions from refugee communities and other migrant populations in several counties alleging threats, intimidation, discriminatory treatment and online attacks.

“All migration-related measures and enforcement interventions must be implemented lawfully, fairly, consistently and without discrimination on the basis of nationality,” the Commission said.

The Commission cited reports from Miritini in Mombasa County as an illustration of the potential violations, but stressed that the concern was national and should not be viewed as being limited to the coastal town.

KNCHR acknowledged the Government’s mandate to regulate immigration, employment, trade, investment and commercial activities, as well as its responsibility to promote fair competition and protect opportunities for Kenyan citizens and local enterprises.

However, it warned that these responsibilities must be balanced with Kenya’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.

The Commission said enforcement must adhere to principles of legality, equality before the law, non-discrimination, due process and procedural fairness, while guarding against arbitrary or disproportionate administrative action.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya