The government has moved to clarify President William Ruto’s position on foreigners operating businesses in Kenya, insisting that the latest requirements are based on existing law and are not a new directive introduced through the President’s remarks. Charles Owino said foreigners affected by the rules should follow the required immigration procedures while Kenya maintains its commitment to regional integration.
Highlights
- Foreign nationals doing business in Kenya are required to comply with immigration laws.
- The government says the requirements followed a legal amendment, not merely the President’s statement.
- EAC nationals remain welcome to conduct business within the regional economy.
- Eligible foreigners can apply for a Class R permit through the eFNS portal.
- Alien registration is expected to cost about KSh5,000 annually.
Main Story
Government Says Rules Are Based on Law
The government has sought to calm concerns surrounding President William Ruto’s recent comments on foreigners doing business in Kenya.
Speaking on the matter, Charles Owino said the requirements being discussed are already contained in law and were introduced following amendments to the relevant regulations.
According to Owino, the President’s remarks were therefore not the starting point of the policy. Instead, foreign nationals were expected to comply with the amended requirements once they came into effect.
He also acknowledged the reaction from some Kenyans, saying there were concerns that the debate could take an undesirable direction.
Kenya Still Open to EAC Business
Owino stressed that Kenya’s position remains supportive of economic cooperation within the East African Community.
He said the government does not intend to shut out neighbouring countries or prevent citizens of other EAC member states from participating in the regional economy.
Instead, he urged those affected to allow immigration and foreign affairs authorities to handle the matter through the established procedures.
The clarification comes as questions continue to be raised over the treatment of foreign traders following the President’s comments on small businesses and local economic opportunities.
Foreign Nationals Asked to Regularize Their Stay
Owino further explained that foreigners living and working in Kenya are expected to ensure that their immigration status is properly documented.
He said eligible applicants can use the eFNS platform on eCitizen to apply for a Class R permit.
According to the explanation, the permit does not attract a processing or issuance fee for eligible applicants. However, foreign nationals may still be required to pay an annual alien registration charge of approximately KSh5,000.
Alien registration provides foreign nationals with identification documentation while they remain in the country.
Government Urges Calm and Compliance
Owino maintained that the government’s approach should not be interpreted as targeting Kenya’s neighbours.
He called for foreigners living in the country to follow the law while Kenyans were also encouraged to maintain peaceful relations with foreign communities.
The government appears keen to balance enforcement of immigration and business regulations with Kenya’s wider economic relationship with other East African countries.
As the debate continues, the key message from authorities is that affected foreign nationals should use the official channels available to regularize their status rather than rely solely on political statements or public debate.
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As Kenya tightens compliance while remaining connected to its East African neighbours, the bigger question is whether enforcement can protect local opportunities without weakening the spirit of regional integration.
