Kenyan crackdown on foreign street vendors sparks fear among Burundian refugees

In a recent speech, President William Ruto instructed foreign street merchants and small-shop owners to halt their activities, claiming they create unfair competition for Kenyan traders. The directive immediately led to harassment of Burundian vendors, including a verbal attack on Liévin Niyumwungere, a 28-year-old who operates a nail-studio stall in Nairobi. Hundreds of his compatriots rushed to the Burundian embassy, some seeking to leave the country, while others remain trapped without proper documentation.

After widespread criticism from scholars, human-rights groups and officials, the administration revised the policy, allowing migrants ninety days to obtain or update residence and work permits before enforcement tightens. Amnesty International warned that the original measure was unconstitutional and xenophobic, noting the vulnerability of refugees who cannot safely return to Burundi. Local Kenyan seller Mary Nyokabi supports the rule, arguing that all traders should face the same licensing and corruption pressures.