Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri wants Parliament to draw a clear boundary around small-scale trade by reserving selected businesses for Kenyans, saying local traders and young people should get first priority in these areas.
Kagiri has proposed that the Local Content Bill identify businesses such as salons, hawking, snack selling and motorcycle repair as enterprises that should be exclusively run by Kenyan citizens. She said such businesses have become important sources of income for many young people and local entrepreneurs who are already struggling to find employment and business opportunities.
Her proposal comes amid renewed debate on the role of foreign nationals in Kenya’s informal economy, following President William Ruto’s recent directive on foreigners involved in small-scale trading.
Speaking on Friday, September 4, 2026, Kagiri said traders in Laikipia had expressed concern about foreigners moving into businesses that have traditionally supported local families and provided income for Kenyan youth.
She called on Parliament to speed up consideration of the proposed legislation and ensure it does not leave gaps that could allow foreign nationals to continue operating businesses meant for Kenyans.
“Biashara ya Wakenya ifanywe na Wakenya,” Kagiri said.
The Laikipia legislator said Kenya has a large number of young people looking for ways to earn a living and should therefore ensure they are not pushed out of small-scale trade by foreign competitors.
She said the call to protect local businesses should not be interpreted as opposition to foreign investment, adding that Kenya should continue welcoming investors who bring larger projects and create employment for local communities.
“Kama wewe umetoka nchi ya nje, kuja hapa weka kiwanda kubwa watu wetu wapate kazi,” she said.
Former Laikipia County Assembly Speaker Waigwa Bilha and political leader Sarolyn Wanjiku also supported the push for more economic opportunities for local residents.
The debate gained fresh attention after Ruto directed authorities to act against foreign nationals involved in hawking and other small-scale trading activities.
Ruto made the remarks on Wednesday, September 2, while meeting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) traders at State House, Nairobi. He said a Bill currently before Parliament was designed to limit the involvement of foreigners in some trading activities.
The President asked traders and other stakeholders to go through the proposed legislation and identify any loopholes that could be used by foreigners to operate businesses that are intended for Kenyans.
He also said the government would take administrative measures as Parliament works on the Bill, signalling that action against foreign hawkers would begin the following week.
“Hawa wachuuzi ambao wanafanya biashara ndogo ndogo wafunge,” Ruto said.
Ruto said Kenya's policy of attracting foreign investors was aimed at bringing capital, technology, jobs and economic growth into the country, rather than opening the door for foreigners to compete with Kenyans in small-scale retail trade.
He further instructed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to work with the Immigration Principal Secretary to establish the conditions under which permits are issued to foreign investors and traders.
Kagiri's proposal now places greater focus on the businesses that should be protected under the proposed Local Content Bill, with the Laikipia legislator calling for clear rules to ensure small-scale opportunities remain available to Kenyan citizens while larger foreign investments continue to support job creation.