President Ruto orders closure of foreigners’ small businesses in Kenya
Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered the closure of small retail shops owned by foreigners. On Wednesday, he instructed the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry to begin taking measures from next Monday against foreigners engaged in local and street trade, Premium Times Nigeria reports.
Protection of local traders
According to Ruto, the decision is intended to protect Kenyan traders and prevent unfair competition in business sectors designated for the country’s citizens. The president said Kenya seeks to attract major foreign investment while protecting small business owners, particularly those at the lower levels of the economic pyramid.
Ruto stressed that improving the country’s economy and investment climate is aimed at attracting investors, not street traders. He called on foreigners running small businesses to cease such activities from next week.
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Bill in parliament
Kenya’s parliament is considering a local content bill introduced in 2025. The document aims to increase Kenyans’ participation in economic activity and expand opportunities for local businesses and citizens. It also provides for the procurement of at least 60% of goods, services and resources in the country if they meet the required standards.
At the same time, the president said the government would not wait for parliament to pass the bill and would take administrative measures. Premium Times Nigeria notes that in July 2025 Tanzania banned non-citizens from operating in 15 types of business, including wholesale and retail trade, mobile money services, electronics repairs, salons and small-scale manufacturing. In August, Ghana also reserved informal retail trade for citizens, while Botswana uses a licensing system to protect certain types of business for its citizens.
