Ruto orders action against Nigerians, other foreign small-business operators in Kenya

Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered Nigerians and other foreigners operating small-scale businesses in the country to close them as his government moves to protect local traders.

According to Peoples Gazette, Ruto announced the directive during a meeting with small traders at the State House in Nairobi on Wednesday.

“From next week, all foreign traders doing those small businesses should close them,” Ruto said.

The president argued that while Kenya remains open to foreign investment, foreigners should not compete with citizens as hawkers or operators of small shops.

Ruto, who is seeking re-election next year, also pledged to accelerate legislation restricting foreigners from designated businesses, saying improved investor confidence was not intended to attract foreign hawkers into Kenya’s local retail sector.