Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered authorities to begin shutting down small businesses operated by foreign nationals from Monday, 7 September, saying hawking and small-scale retail should be reserved for Kenyan citizens.
Speaking to micro, small and medium enterprise traders at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, Mr Ruto said Kenya remained open to foreign investment but argued that foreigners should not compete with citizens in businesses requiring little capital.
“From next week, all traders doing those small businesses should close them,” Mr Ruto said.
He said the government had taken steps to improve the economy and attract investors, arguing that such efforts were not intended to encourage foreigners to enter Kenya’s informal retail sector.
Mr Ruto also said the government would pursue legislation defining economic activities that should be prioritised for Kenyan citizens.
He cited the proposed Local Content Bill 2025, which he said would identify businesses that foreigners would be prohibited from operating in Kenya.
“It cannot be that a person comes from China or elsewhere to be a hawker or open a small shop,” he said.
Share this content:
About The Author
