KANYADUDI: Crackdown on Burundian refugee-traders in Kenya’s national interest
This commentary argues that Kenya's recent crackdown on undocumented Burundian traders should be viewed through the lens of regional integration and national strategic interests. It explores the historical context of African borders and the challenges of balancing regional cooperation with domestic policy.
Why it matters
The piece provides insight into the complex diplomatic and economic tensions inherent in the East African Community's efforts toward regional integration.
Citizens of Burundi outside their embassy along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi /EZEKIEL AMING'A The recent diplomatic tension caused by the order to register undocumented Burundian s living and working in Kenya without proper work permits should be viewed in the context of regional integration.
The interests of nations are globally guided and driven by strategic considerations.
It is generally agreed that most of the boundaries separating countries in Africa were drawn by the Europeans, without reference to or consultation with the residents of the regions.
This led to splitting and separating ethnic communities and to some extent families across borders. You will find members of the same tribe if not clan spread across more than one country. For example, we have Luos in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Maasais in Tanzania and Kenya and Tesos and Samias in Kenya and Uganda.
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