Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has apologised to Burundian nationals over harassment linked to confusion surrounding the government’s crackdown on unlicensed foreign traders, promising tighter security as immigrants regularise their documentation.
Sing’oei made the assurance during a visit to the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi on Monday, where he met nationals seeking clarity over their status following President William Ruto’s recent remarks on foreign traders.
Sing’oei urged the Burundian community to remain calm, saying the government’s immediate priority was to ensure foreign nationals were properly documented and protected.
“On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I have come to convey our apologies to all of you because of the difficulties that have arisen recently,” Sing’Oei said.
He acknowledged that confusion over the government’s directives had contributed to harassment of some Burundians and other foreign nationals.
“We are saying sorry because, recently, it was said that those engaged in small-scale businesses without licences would be required to leave Kenya,” he said.
“There are many people who may not have understood the situation correctly, and because of this lack of understanding, some of you have been harassed or mistreated by your neighbours and friends. For that, we apologise.”
The PS said the government would increase security in neighbourhoods with significant immigrant populations, including Bahati and Muthurwa, to prevent further harassment.
“Therefore, over the next few days, I ask you to remain calm. The Government will increase security in areas where you live, such as Bahati, Muthurwa and other places, so that you are not harassed or mistreated,” he said.
Sing’oei said the government’s documentation drive was intended not only to enforce immigration and business regulations but also to protect foreign nationals living and working legally in Kenya.
“Our main objective is to understand how you are living and to ensure that all of you are properly documented—that we know where you live, that you are properly registered, that you have identification documents, and that your places of residence are known,” he said.
“This is so that, from a security perspective, you can also be properly protected.”
He added that foreign nationals operating legitimate businesses would also benefit from having the necessary licences.
“If you have a licence to operate a business, your business can also be properly protected because you will be duly registered with our government,” Sing’Oei said.
Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said the government has opened a formal registration window for undocumented EAC nationals, particularly Burundian citizens living and trading in Kenya without proper papers.
Owino said the measures announced by President William Ruto on September 2, 2026, were aimed at protecting local livelihoods while safeguarding the rights and dignity of EAC citizens.
He said those who present themselves to their respective embassies or high commissions for identification will, during the registration period, be presumed legally present in Kenya.