KENYA OPENS 90-DAY COMPLIANCE WINDOW FOR FOREIGN BUSINESS OPERATORS

The Kenyan government has given foreign nationals operating businesses in the country 90 days to regularise their immigration status and business operations before stricter enforcement begins. The exercise will cover immigration requirements, work permits, business registration and operating licences, as President William Ruto’s administration moves to tighten rules governing foreign participation in small-scale trade.

State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the regularisation process would be coordinated by relevant government agencies in consultation with the embassies of affected foreign nationals. He said the government would provide guidance during the 90-day period and ensure that the requirements were applied fairly and without discrimination, giving those operating outside the legal framework an opportunity to bring their businesses into compliance.

The move follows growing concerns from Kenyan traders who say foreign nationals are increasingly competing with citizens in small-scale businesses and informal trade. Ruto has maintained that economic opportunities in areas such as hawking and small retail should primarily benefit Kenyans, while stressing that Kenya remains open to legitimate foreign investment, employment and businesses that comply with the law.

The President has also directed that Kenya’s Local Content Bill, 2025, be expanded to establish clearer rules for foreign participation in small-scale enterprises. The proposed framework is expected to identify categories of businesses that could be reserved for Kenyan citizens, while providing legal protection for foreign nationals who have the necessary permits and are entitled to work, invest or conduct business in the country.

Once the 90-day regularisation period expires, authorities are expected to begin strict enforcement of immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements. The government has also warned individuals against taking enforcement into their own hands, stressing that concerns over competition for economic opportunities must not lead to discrimination, harassment or violence against foreign nationals.