Kenya now shifts to 90-day regularisation after foreign traders backlash

What the report says

Kenya has replaced a five-day deadline for foreign nationals in “low-capital” businesses with a 90-day period to regularise their immigration status and obtain the permits needed to operate legally, according to The Observer. The shift follows strong criticism in Kenya and across the East African Community after President William Ruto’s initial directive prompted concern among foreign traders, especially East Africans, and led to reports of harassment, business closures and embassy visits for emergency travel documents.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government still wants businesses to comply with immigration and work rules, while arguing the policy is meant to protect local livelihoods and fair competition rather than discriminate. He also warned against harassment of foreign nationals and said authorities would act against anyone interfering with them or their businesses. Uganda’s EAC affairs minister Rebecca Kadaga welcomed the revised approach and urged Ugandans in Kenya to use the grace period to complete the required formalities.

The article says rights groups and migrant advocates remain worried that the earlier announcement had already caused damage. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said it had received petitions alleging intimidation and discrimination, while Amnesty Kenya described the move as economic scapegoating and xenophobia. The Network Against Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants also warned that enforcement without safeguards could push vulnerable migrants into unsafe informal work. The episode highlights a recurring tension in the region between national regulation and the EAC’s free-movement commitments.