BOMET, KENYA — President William Ruto has reaffirmed that Kenya remains open to foreign investors and workers, saying foreigners are welcome to do business and work in the country as long as they comply with Kenyan laws.
Speaking in Bomet, President Ruto said Kenya is committed to maintaining an open business environment where investors from different countries can participate in the economy.
“Kenya is very open for business… All investors have a space in Kenya.”
The President stressed that foreigners who wish to work or operate businesses in Kenya must obtain the appropriate documentation and licences required by law. These include work permits, immigration documents, business registration and relevant operating licences.
He noted that the requirements apply to foreigners from different parts of the world, including citizens of countries within the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Foreign Traders Given Time to Regularise Their Status
President Ruto's comments come as the Kenyan government moves to regulate foreign small-scale traders operating in the country.
The government has given foreign small-scale traders a 90-day period to regularise their status and ensure that they meet the necessary legal and administrative requirements.
The move is aimed at ensuring that foreign businesses operating in Kenya comply with the country's immigration, business and licensing regulations.
Ruto Warns Against Harassment of Foreigners
While emphasizing the need for foreigners to follow Kenyan laws, President Ruto also warned Kenyan citizens against taking the law into their own hands.
He said no citizen has the right to attack, harass or harm foreigners or other people simply because of where they come from.
“No citizen has a right to take the law into their own hands and harm other people from other areas.”
President Ruto said Kenya would continue to uphold its tradition of being an open society and welcoming people from different backgrounds.
“We will continue to be an open society because that is the DNA of Kenya.”
Kenya Seeks to Balance Investment and Regulation
The President's remarks highlight the government's position that Kenya can remain open to international investment while ensuring that everyone operating in the country complies with established laws.
Foreign investors and workers who meet the necessary legal requirements can continue to participate in Kenya's economy, while those without the required permits or licences are expected to regularise their status.
At the same time, the government is warning citizens against violence or harassment, making it clear that enforcement of immigration and business regulations remains the responsibility of the relevant state authorities.
The message from the President is clear: foreigners who comply with Kenyan law are welcome to work and invest, while Kenyan citizens are expected to respect the law and leave enforcement to the authorities.