Kenyan President William Ruto's order for foreign nationals to stop working as petty traders or running small businesses by 7 September has triggered fear and confusion among East African migrants living in Kenya, particularly Burundians. Many say the announcement, made in reference to draft legislation restricting foreign nationals from low-level trade, has been taken by some Kenyans as licence to harass migrants, prompting an exodus towards border crossings and queues at embassies for travel documents. The episode matters because it threatens the free movement long enjoyed within the East African Community and has strained diplomatic relations between Kenya and Burundi.

Migrants including tuk-tuk drivers, traders and shopkeepers describe threats, closed businesses and families being separated, with some Burundian men leaving behind Kenyan spouses and children. Nairobi's Burundian and Eritrean communities report queuing for repatriation papers and, in some cases, businesses shutting as a precaution, while Kenyan law and EAC rules technically still permit foreigners to work with the correct permits. Burundi's foreign affairs minister has warned that "hate speech" against Burundians could have repercussions for Kenyans living abroad, and Kenyan authorities have struggled to contain the resulting fallout.