Kenya Offers Amnesty to Undocumented Migrants Following Crackdown on Foreign Traders

The Kenyan government has offered a temporary amnesty to undocumented migrants, urging them to register at their embassies after a directive to close small businesses run by foreigners led to reports of xenophobic attacks. President William Ruto called for small scale businesses, such as hawking and petty retail, to be reserved for Kenyan citizens, stating that foreign nationals should not compete with citizens in low capital business settings. The government announced that enforcement of this policy would begin on Monday, September 7. Following the announcement, hundreds of Burundians gathered at their embassy in Nairobi to seek travel documents to return home. Some migrants reported harassment, robbery, and violence from neighbors. In response, a government spokesman stated that individuals undergoing registration would be presumed legally present in Kenya. Junior Foreign Minister Korir Sing'Oei visited the Burundian embassy to apologize and assure that police would protect the community. Center lean sources describe the move as a protection measure for the economy that has sparked fears of xenophobia. A center left source emphasizes the humanitarian impact, reporting on the chaos at the embassy and the government's subsequent efforts to prevent arbitrary harassment. Critics and some analysts suggest the policy is a populist move designed to blame foreigners for economic difficulties ahead of upcoming elections.