Kenya has offered a temporary amnesty to undocumented East African nationals amid fears of a crackdown on foreign traders.
The government announced the measure after hundreds of Burundians gathered outside their embassy in Nairobi on Monday. Many sought travel documents because they feared forced departures.
The situation followed remarks from President William Ruto last week. He called for authorities to close small businesses run by foreign traders.
Ruto made the comments after meeting Kenyan traders who had protested against tax reforms.
However, the government later moved to ease fears among foreign nationals.
Kenya promises protection during registration
Kenya’s trade ministry said the order targets foreigners who operate without valid work permits.
That announcement caused confusion among some migrant communities. On Monday, large crowds gathered outside Burundi’s embassy in Nairobi.
Some Burundians said neighbours had threatened them after Ruto’s remarks.
However, Nairobi showed no immediate signs of a wider crackdown.
Later, a spokesperson for Ruto’s administration promised protection against harassment and xenophobia.
The government urged undocumented East Africans to register through their embassies. It specifically encouraged Burundian nationals to begin the process.
Officials also offered temporary legal protection during the registration period.
The government said registered applicants would receive access to health, banking and legal protections.
Kenya also plans to coordinate the process with regional partners.
Burundians fear they may have to leave
Around 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers live in Kenya, according to the United Nations refugee agency.
Many support themselves through small-scale businesses in Nairobi. They sell products such as coffee and used clothes.
Meanwhile, anxiety grew outside the Burundi embassy.
Mostly young men formed long queues while carrying suitcases and other belongings.
Some said they had lived in Kenya for years without official identification.
Munezero Farnke, 18, said he had lived in Kenya for three years without an ID.
He said he had planned to return to Burundi next year.
However, the latest developments changed those plans.
Another Burundian, Peter Nakumujango, 62, said he felt forced to leave.
He said many people had gathered at the embassy but did not know when they would receive help.
Ruto faces criticism over foreign traders
Ruto’s policy has also drawn criticism inside Kenya.
Opponents accuse the president of blaming foreigners for the country’s economic problems.
They say he could also be responding to political pressure ahead of next year’s election.
Activist Hanifa Adan recently made that argument in the Daily Nation newspaper.
She said governments often look for an enemy when they cannot solve economic problems.
The dispute also comes as Kenya takes action against foreign companies.
Last Thursday, Ruto ordered India’s Tata Chemicals to stop operating in Kenya.
He argued that the company had failed to provide enough benefits to the country.
Tata Chemicals said it respected the government’s authority. The company also said it remained committed to constructive talks.
Amnesty offers a temporary path forward
For now, Kenya’s registration window gives undocumented East Africans an opportunity to regularize their status.
The government has also stressed that it will not tolerate xenophobic attacks.
Nevertheless, many Burundians remain worried about their future.
The long queues outside the embassy showed the depth of that concern.
At the same time, the temporary amnesty could help reduce uncertainty for migrants who lack legal documents.
The coming weeks will show whether the registration process can calm tensions.
