Kenya's trade ministry has warned foreign nationals that entering the country without a visa does not entitle them to work, as President William Ruto's government pushes ahead with a crackdown on unlicensed small businesses run by foreigners. The deadline set by Ruto for such traders to stop operating fell today, prompting Burundi's embassy in Kenya to offer emergency travel documents to citizens wishing to return home amid reports of mistreatment. The move has caused diplomatic friction, with Burundi's foreign minister warning of consequences if "hate speech" against Burundians continues, while critics in Kenya have accused Ruto of stoking xenophobia.

Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui said some foreigners had misused visitor or investor visas to engage in retail trade, and the government wants compliance with work permit rules. Ruto had argued investors should create jobs rather than compete with Kenyans as hawkers or shopkeepers, singling out arrivals "from China or elsewhere". Kenya's foreign affairs permanent secretary, Korir Sing'oei, clarified that foreigners with proper permits could continue working, but this has not eased traders' concerns. Alexis Ntinanirwa, head of the Association of Burundians in Kenya, warned the dispute could backfire regionally, since Kenyans also run small businesses in Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda, and urged Burundians to avoid confrontation with police.