Editor's Review

Mudavadi defended Ruto's directive, saying the President was not implementing a blanket ban on foreign nationals engaged in business.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has asked foreign nationals living in Kenya to comply with the government's directive to clamp down on and regularise small-scale businesses.

Speaking at a Diplomatic Briefing in Nairobi on Thursday, September 10, Mudavadi defended President William Ruto's directive, saying the President was not seeking to ban foreigners from engaging in micro businesses.

He added that the move was only to ensure even application of the law and compliance with regional business guidelines.

"Kenya is not implementing a blanket ban on foreign nationals engaging in small-scale business, but is seeking to ensure that their participation is consistent with the East African Community Common Market Protocol and national laws.

"My appeal is that citizens of our partner states should comply with the laws of the country governing their rights of entry, stay and provision of services within the Kenyan jurisdiction. This is global practise," the Prime CS stated.

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A file photo of Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi.

At the Diplomatic Briefing in Nairobi, the Prime CS informed the Diplomatic Corps on Kenya’s six strategic priorities.

These include a peaceful, free and credible 2027 General Election, economic growth through trade and investment, deeper African integration, and harnessing the strength of Kenya's diaspora.

Mudavadi added that the country is also keen on advancing its peace and security and confronting emerging global challenges including food insecurity, climate change and health threats.

"These priorities are ultimately about protecting Kenya’s interests while turning our global relationships into jobs, investment, bigger markets, stronger institutions and greater opportunities for our young people," he stated.

The PCS reckoned that Nairobi was Africa's Diplomatic Capital, and noted that Kenya will continue to shape conversations beyond our borders, champion African-led solutions, defend multilateralism and engage the world with a strong, principled and confident voice.

Earlier, President William Ruto directed the government to undertake a 90-day regularisation exercise for foreign nationals conducting business in Kenya.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the directive follows an engagement between the President and Kenyan traders, during which traders raised concerns about the impact of foreign participation in informal businesses on Kenyans.

Mohamed said the President had reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting economic opportunities for Kenyans while also safeguarding the rights of foreign nationals who are lawfully residing and conducting business in the country.