Kenya’s government has offered a temporary amnesty to undocumented East African nationals following concerns among Burundians living and working in the country.
Hundreds of Burundian nationals gathered outside their country’s embassy in Nairobi on Monday, seeking travel documents amid fears of a crackdown on small-scale traders from abroad.
Kenyan President William Ruto last week called on authorities to close down all small-scale businesses operated by foreign traders, starting on Monday. The call followed a meeting with Kenyan traders who had been protesting against tax reforms.
Kenya’s Trade Ministry later clarified that the order applies to foreigners operating businesses without valid work permits. The announcement caused uncertainty among foreign traders, with some Burundians saying they had been threatened by neighbours following Ruto’s remarks.However, there were no signs of a crackdown in Nairobi on Monday.
A spokesperson for Ruto’s administration said the government had a policy of “absolute zero tolerance” towards harassment, intimidation or xenophobia. The government has urged undocumented nationals from other East African countries, particularly those from Burundi, to formally register at their respective embassies.
The spokesperson said that, during the designated registration period, those undergoing registration would be presumed to be legally present in Kenya. The government said the process is intended to help undocumented nationals access health, banking and legal protections without fear.
The regularisation process will be conducted in coordination with regional partners.According to the United Nations refugee agency, there are about 16 000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya. Many are involved in small-scale businesses in Nairobi, selling items such as coffee and second-hand clothing.
Long queuesCrowds of mostly young men formed long queues outside Burundi’s embassy in Nairobi on Monday morning, carrying suitcases and other belongings.Eighteen-year-old Munezero Farnke said he had lived in Kenya for three years without an identity document and had planned to return to Burundi next year.
Another Burundian national, 62-year-old Peter Nakumujango, said he was being forced to leave Kenya against his will.Burundi’s ambassador to Kenya was not immediately available for comment, while the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister Edouard Bizimana did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Critics of President Ruto have accused him of blaming foreigners for Kenya’s economic difficulties as he prepares for next year’s presidential election, when he is expected to seek a second term.
