Political analyst Kipkalya Kones has challenged the government’s decision to crack down on businesses operated by foreign nationals, questioning why Burundians have seemingly become the centre of attention amid wider concerns about foreigners living and doing business in Kenya.
Kones acknowledged the growing presence of Burundians in Nairobi’s informal economy, noting that some have established themselves in street vending and personal-care businesses.
“We admit that Burundians may have taken over the selling of tea, mandazi and cashewnuts on Nairobi streets,” Kones said, while also referring to the growing number of Burundian women offering massage and spa services in some barbershops.
However, he questioned whether the government was applying its enforcement measures consistently across different foreign communities.
His remarks came as hundreds of Burundian nationals reportedly sought assistance at the Burundi Embassy in Nairobi amid uncertainty triggered by President William Ruto’s directive on foreign-operated small businesses.
Kones contrasted the scrutiny facing Burundians with what he described as inadequate attention to nationals of another neighbouring country, whom he accused of being associated with serious security and financial crimes.
He alleged that some nationals from the unnamed country had been linked to terrorist cells, international money laundering networks, criminal enterprises and arms trafficking in refugee settlements.
Kones further claimed that the community had made substantial investments in Kenya, established a sizeable settlement in Nairobi and featured prominently among casualties involving Kenyan security personnel along the border and in other parts of the country.
“Which neighbouring country is really the existential threat to Kenya’s stability? Why is there silence on this one?” he asked.
The analyst did not provide evidence in his statement to substantiate the specific allegations, making them claims that would require independent verification.
His intervention has nevertheless added to growing debate over the government’s approach to foreign traders, particularly whether enforcement should focus on nationality or compliance with immigration, business and licensing laws.
The government has since clarified that foreign traders will be given a 90-day period to regularise their immigration status, work permits, business registration and relevant licences.
The clarification followed uncertainty among foreign traders after the initial directive sparked fears of an immediate crackdown. Burundians were among those seeking travel documents and considering leaving Kenya amid the confusion.
Kones also questioned whether forcing foreign traders out would automatically create employment opportunities for Kenyans.
Quoting a statement associated with South African politician Julius Malema during the country’s xenophobia debates, he challenged authorities to demonstrate how many jobs vacated by Burundian traders would ultimately be taken up by Kenyans.