Ruto orders crackdown on foreign hawkers

President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on foreign nationals engaged in hawking and other small-scale trading activities in Kenya, saying the Government will take steps to protect local traders from unfair competition. Speaking during a meeting with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) traders at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, September 2, the President said foreigners should focus on investment that creates jobs rather than competing with Kenyans in informal and small-scale retail businesses. Ruto said concerns had been raised over foreign nationals entering the country to sell goods such as duvets and other merchandise directly to consumers, taking business away from local traders. He said a Bill before Parliament seeks to restrict foreigners from engaging in certain trading activities and urged traders to participate in discussions on the proposed legislation to ensure loopholes are closed.