3.5K President Ruto came to the press insisting that a crackdown on foreign traders must not turn into the kind of anti-African hostility that has scarred South Africa. President William Ruto’s latest push to reserve small-scale businesses for Kenyans has opened a fresh political debate across the country, but this time there is a striking difference and many believe it was politically motivated. Instead of allowing anger over jobs and small businesses to spill into a campaign against African migrants, Kenyan activists, commentators and ordinary citizens have been speaking out — warning that Burundians and other foreigners must not become targets of harassment, violence or collective punishment. The controversy began on September 2, 2026, when Ruto directed authorities to move against foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses without the required permits. The order followed protests by Kenyan traders over tax reforms and concerns about competition from foreign traders. By September 7, the directive had caused serious anxiety among Kenyan communities, who were opposed to any threats against Burundians working in informal trade in Nairobi. Whilst hundreds of Burundians rushed to the Burundian Embassy seeking travel documents, with some fearing that they would be forced out of the country, Kenyans made it clear these people nor other African foreigners would be subjected to harassment. Kenya is home to about 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers, according to UNHCR, and many are involved in small-scale businesses, selling products including coffee and second-hand clothing. But as the international community began to raise fears of xenophobic attacks, Kenya’s true voice emerged and proved otherwise. “WE ARE NOT SOUTH AFRICANS, WE ARE KENYANS!” Kenyan activists and public figures have been warning that the country must not follow the path seen in South Africa, where anti-immigrant movements have organised marches and campaigns blaming foreign nationals for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. @resurgencenews Woodley Location warns Kenyans agnaist taking law on their hands . This follows the directive by the country president on undocumented immigrants. ♬ original sound – Resurgence news South Africa’s March and March movement has become a major force in the country’s current anti-immigration politics, with its activities and rhetoric generating serious concern over xenophobia and the treatment of African migrants. Kenyan activists, however, have been making the opposite argument. In public statements and online campaigns, they have insisted that economic frustration should not become an excuse to attack fellow Africans. Some activists have even warned that if foreigners are harmed, they will mobilise against the government. The message has also appeared on the streets. One Nairobi administrative chief was reported warning traders that nobody should raise a hand against a foreigner, declaring: “We are not South Africans; we are Kenyans.” The remarks quickly circulated online as Kenyans debated what kind of country they wanted to be. RUTO SOFTENS THE MESSAGE As the panic grew, the Kenyan government moved to clarify its position. On September 7, officials said the crackdown was aimed at foreigners operating businesses without the required legal documentation — not at foreigners generally — while announcing a temporary amnesty to allow undocumented East Africans to regularise their status. The government also declared “zero tolerance” for harassment, intimidation and xenophobia, urging foreign nationals to register through their embassies and regularise their status. On September 8, the presidency further announced a 90-day window for undocumented foreigners to sort out their papers, while insisting that registered foreign workers would continue to have rights to work in permitted sectors. But for many Burundians, the damage to their sense of security had already been done. Some remained outside their embassy for days, while others said they were considering returning home because they feared harassment. Burundi subsequently condemned reports of harassment and called for the protection of its nationals. KENYA’S PAN-AFRICAN TEST The controversy has therefore become bigger than a debate over who should operate a roadside stall, sell clothes or run a small shop. It has become a question about how one African country treats citizens of another African country. Kenya certainly has the right to regulate its labour market, enforce immigration laws and decide which businesses require Kenyan ownership. But activists are arguing that enforcement can be done without creating an atmosphere where every foreign African becomes an economic enemy. And that is where the comparison with South Africa keeps returning. Kenyans even went as far to hold a massive protest in support of other African nationals. While South Africa has seen powerful anti-immigrant movements take their grievances into the streets, Kenyans pushing back against xenophobia are making it clear that they do not want economic frustration to become an excuse for African-on-African hostility. For Ruto, the political challenge is now delicate. He must answer Kenyan traders demanding protection while also convincing East African neighbours — particularly Burundi — that Kenya’s economic policies will not turn into hostility against their citizens. For the activists challenging him, the message is even simpler: Protect Kenyan jobs. Enforce Kenyan laws. But don’t turn fellow Africans into the enemy. And with Kenya heading towards its 2027 elections, the debate over foreigners, jobs and the cost of living is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. If you like this follow us on instagram here. Read More Like This On Kenya Afrophobia VISIT OUR SHOP UPCOMING PRIORITY EVENTS! CLICK HERE FOR EVENTS To Submit stories Email: [email protected] or HashTag #FashionGHANA