Wetang’ula defends Ruto’s call for foreign traders to regularise operations

Jukwaa

📻 Breaking It Down

According to Speaker Wetang’ula, Kenya remains open to investors and other foreign nationals but insisted that those operating businesses in the country must have the necessary documentation, licences and permits.

Speaking during a bodaboda empowerment drive in Endebess Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, Hon. Wetang’ula said the President’s remarks should not be interpreted as a move to shut Kenya’s doors to other Africans.

He said Kenya had continued to welcome visitors and investors from other African countries, including members of the East African Community (EAC), and had made it easier for Africans to enter the country.

📌 What You Need to Know

“What the President wants, and all of us want, is that when you leave Kenya for Uganda, you must register yourself with the authorities so that they know a visitor has entered our territory, not to bar you in any way,” Wetang’ula said.

He said the same principle should apply to EAC nationals entering Kenya, arguing that authorities needed to know who was entering the country and the purpose of their visit.

Hon. Wetang’ula said Kenya welcomed legitimate investment but questioned the classification of foreigners who entered the country as investors only to engage in small-scale trading activities that could otherwise be undertaken by Kenyans.

“However, the people we don’t want to hear about are those who come to Kenya as investors but you get them selling maize in a local market. Is that investment really?” he posed.

He said certain opportunities should be protected for Kenyan traders and entrepreneurs, particularly those operating small businesses.

Wetang’ula also dismissed concerns that the Government was becoming hostile to other Africans, pointing to President Ruto’s decision to allow Africans from other countries to enter Kenya without visas.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

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