Ruto orders crackdown on foreigners in small business sector
Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses in the country. He stated that the government aims to protect local traders from unfair competition and will enforce administrative measures while awaiting new legislation.
Why it matters
The policy reflects a protectionist shift in economic policy aimed at prioritizing local MSMEs over foreign small-scale traders.
President William Ruto during a meeting with MSMEs at State House on September 2,2026/PCS
President William Ruto has ordered an immediate crackdown on foreigners operating small businesses in Kenya, saying local traders must be protected from unfair competition.
Ruto directed the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry to begin enforcement action next week against foreigners engaged in businesses reserved for Kenyans.
The President said the government would not wait for Parliament to pass proposed legislation before taking administrative measures to address the issue.
"All those traders and hawkers doing these small businesses should close down and if they don’t do that...” the President said.
Speaking to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) traders at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said a Bill was already before Parliament seeking to prohibit foreigners from engaging in certain businesses.
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