NAIROBI, Kenya—The government has moved to clarify President William Ruto’s remarks on foreign traders as civil society groups announced plans to stage demonstrations in Nairobi over what they describe as growing xenophobia and discrimination against African migrants.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the President’s remarks had been “taken out of context”, insisting they were made in reference to the Local Content Bill currently before Parliament and should not be interpreted as a blanket restriction on foreigners doing business or working in Kenya.
“President’s statement has been taken out of context, as he was responding to ongoing debate on the Local Content Bill presently before Parliament,” Sing’oei said.
The controversy stems from remarks Ruto made on September 2 while addressing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise traders at State House in Nairobi, where he said foreigners should not compete with Kenyans in hawking and other small-scale businesses.
Ruto directed that foreigners engaged in such businesses should close them, saying the government had not worked to attract investment so that foreigners could come to Kenya to hawk or operate small retail shops.
“There are businesses that a foreigner will not be allowed to engage in here in Kenya,” Ruto said, referring to the Bill before Parliament.
He also said: “It cannot be that a person comes from China or elsewhere to be a hawker or open a small shop,” while directing officials to move ahead with measures aimed at reserving certain businesses for Kenyans.
The remarks triggered concern among civil society groups, who say they have documented physical, verbal, online and political attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Sing’oei has sought to reassure foreign nationals legally operating in Kenya, saying they remain protected provided they have the required work permits, licences and other documentation.
“Burundian nationals and all East Africans—and Africans for that matter—are free to live in Kenya as long as they conduct their businesses or work according to the requirements of our law,” he said.
The CSOs plan to march in Nairobi on Thursday, with the protest expected to culminate at the Office of the President, where they intend to demand respect for the rights and dignity of migrants and other foreign nationals.
The groups have also called on the East African Community, the United Nations, civil society organisations and workers’ movements to join efforts against what they describe as xenophobia, discrimination and oppression.
