Business 10 September 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Kenya Extends Foreign Trader Regularisation to 90 Days Amid Backlash
Kenya has extended a grace period for foreign traders and individuals to regularise their immigration status and business permits to 90 days, following significant backlash from domestic civil society and neighbouring East African Community (EAC) member states. The initial five-day ultimatum had caused panic and led to accusations of harassment and economic scapegoating. Source: https://observer.ug/news/kenya-now-shifts-to-90-day-regularisation-after-foreign-traders-backlash
Kenya has revised its approach to regulating foreign businesses, extending a grace period for non-citizens to 90 days from an initial five-day ultimatum. This change follows widespread criticism both within Kenya and from EAC partner states, who voiced concerns about the original directive’s impact on regional integration and free movement.
The initial ultimatum, announced by President William Ruto, had caused considerable anxiety among foreign traders, particularly those from East Africa. Reports of harassment, business closures, and individuals seeking refuge at their embassies emerged, prompting warnings that the measures could undermine the spirit of the EAC Common Market Protocol.
In response to the outcry, the Kenyan government, through Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has emphasized that the directive is regulatory, not discriminatory, and aims to protect local economies and ensure fair competition. He assured foreign nationals that Kenya remains open to trade but stressed the importance of adhering to immigration and business regulations.
Uganda’s Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga, welcomed the 90-day window, encouraging Ugandans in Kenya to use the period to formalise their status. She reiterated that while EAC citizens have rights under the Common Market Protocol, compliance with national laws remains essential until full federation.
However, human rights organizations like Amnesty Kenya and the Network Against Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants (NAHUSOM) have highlighted that the reprieve does not erase the damage already caused. They noted instances of property loss, intimidation, and the urgent need for travel documents by affected individuals, particularly Burundians, during the initial period.
Tanzania is reportedly studying the situation to determine if the targeted businesses fall under EAC protocol provisions. Human rights advocates argue that the clarification came too late for many who had already suffered losses.
Kenya maintains that its agencies will assist foreign traders during this period, processing applications without discrimination, and reiterates its commitment to lawful, proportionate, and non-discriminatory enforcement of regulations. The new policy aims to balance economic protection with regional commitments.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)