NAIROBI — Kenya began shutting down small retail shops and hawking businesses run by foreign nationals on September 7 after President William Ruto directed authorities to reserve those activities for Kenyans, Al Jazeera reported.
Ruto told MSME traders on September 2 that foreign investment remains welcome in capital-intensive work but that foreigners should not compete in hawking and small-scale retail. The government said it would take administrative action while Parliament considers the Local Content Bill, 2025. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said September 6 that foreign nationals who hold required work permits and licences remain legally protected, arguing Ruto’s remarks had been taken out of context.
Kenya’s 2024 Foreign Investment Survey put FDI stock at 1.458 trillion shillings ($11.27 billion) at end-2023. Officials have not published a full list of shops covered or how many foreign traders will be affected.
Sources: Al Jazeera.
