Sing’oei says Ruto’s remarks on foreign traders were ‘taken out of context’

Jukwaa

📻 Breaking It Down

Sing’Oei said the President was responding to an ongoing debate over the Local Content Bill before Parliament, which proposes restrictions on certain businesses that may be reserved for Kenyan citizens.

“President’s statement has been taken out of context, as he was responding to ongoing debate on the Local Content Bill presently before Parliament,” Sing’Oei said.

He assured foreign nationals that those operating legally in Kenya would remain protected, provided they have the necessary documentation.

📌 What You Need to Know

“As such, we assure that small or large traders & employees of all nationalities, with requisite documentation—work permits & licenses—are legally protected to operate in Kenya,” he said.

Sing’Oei also sought to reassure citizens of neighbouring countries and other African nationals, saying they would remain free to live and work in Kenya as long as they complied with Kenyan law.

“Burundian nationals and all East Africans—and Africans for that matter—are free to live in Kenya as long as they conduct their businesses or work according to the requirements of our law,” he said.

His remarks come after President Ruto told small traders at State House that certain businesses could be restricted to Kenyans under legislation being considered by Parliament.

“There are businesses that a foreigner will not be allowed to engage in here in Kenya. We already have a Bill before Parliament dealing with matters of business. In that Bill, we have proposed that there are certain businesses that foreigners will not be allowed to undertake here in Kenya,” Ruto said on September 2.

The President urged MPs to scrutinise the proposed legislation to “seal all the loopholes”, citing foreigners entering Kenya and engaging in hawking and small-scale retail businesses.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

0 0