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The Kenyan government has opened a registration window for undocumented East African nationals, particularly Burundian citizens living in the country.
The announcement was contained in a press statement issued by the Office of the Government Spokesperson on Monday, September 7.
The move follows President William Ruto’s September 2 directives regulating small-scale retail and informal trade in Kenya.
The government said the measures are intended to protect local livelihoods, regulate informal trade and strengthen national identity systems.
It stressed that the directives do not amount to a blanket ban or hostile action against foreign nationals.
The government said some East African nationals, including Burundians, live and operate in Kenya without full documentation due to historical and regional circumstances.
It said the lack of documentation can leave affected people vulnerable to exploitation, health emergencies and harassment by law enforcement.
“To address this constructively, the Government of Kenya is establishing a formal Documentation and Registration Window,” the statement said.
The government called on undocumented East African Community nationals, particularly Burundian citizens, to present themselves to their respective high commissions or embassies for registration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work with the Embassy of Burundi and other regional partners to manage and regularise the cases.
The government said anyone undergoing registration during the designated period will be “presumed legally present in the Republic of Kenya.”
It added that the arrangement will allow those undergoing registration to access health, banking and legal protections without fear.
Kenya also warned against harassment, intimidation and xenophobia targeting foreign nationals.
“We issue a strict directive to all national security agencies, local authorities, and the business community: No foreign national, documented or currently undergoing registration, is to be subjected to arbitrary harassment or discrimination,” the statement said.
The government further warned that anyone using the recent directives to promote xenophobia or mistreat Kenya’s neighbours would face legal action.
“Any elements seeking to exploit recent directives to fuel xenophobic sentiment or mistreat our neighbours will face the full force of the law,” it said.
The government also said it is strengthening monitoring of migrant safety in urban centres in partnership with civil society and humanitarian organisations.
It rejected reports suggesting that the measures amounted to a blanket ban on foreign nationals, particularly those from neighbouring East African countries.
“We note with concern that some media reports—including recent coverage by international outlets such as Le Monde—have misinterpreted these administrative measures as a blanket ban or hostile action targeting foreign nationals,” the statement said.
“The Government of Kenya categorically rejects these mischaracterisations.”
Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to the East African Community Common Market Protocol, saying its neighbours are not foreigners but part of a shared regional community.
“We view our East African neighbours not as foreigners, but as brothers and sisters of our shared Jumuiya,” the government said.
The statement added that Kenya’s relationship with its East African neighbours is rooted in shared history, culture and regional interests.
