Kenya’s President Ruto Orders Foreign Traders To Shut Down
President William Ruto has ordered foreigners running small-scale businesses in Kenya to shut down, saying local traders need greater protection.
Ruto gave the directive during a meeting with small-scale traders at State House in Nairobi.
He said foreigners would remain welcome to invest in Kenya if their businesses created jobs and expanded opportunities for citizens.
The president particularly criticised foreign nationals operating small shops and hawking businesses, saying investors should focus on ventures that increase production.
He also announced plans to fast-track legislation that would restrict foreigners from engaging in certain areas of small-scale trade.
The move follows growing complaints from Kenyan traders who accuse foreign business owners of competing for limited commercial opportunities.
Foreign nationals currently operate in several parts of Kenya’s informal economy, including retail, salons, construction, transport and street vending.
Ruto, who is expected to seek another term, said Kenya remains open to foreign investment but insisted that such investments must benefit local workers and businesses.
