Kenyans In Burundi Sent A Strong Message By The Government

The Ambassador to Burundi, Henry Wambuma, has taken it upon himself to assure Kenyans residing in Burundi that diplomatic ties between Burundi and Kenya are not strained despite concerns raised by Kenya over the activities of foreigners in their country’s small-scale businesses.

Wambuma also called on Kenyans in Burundi to honour all legal and administrative procedures in the country to prevent any possible confrontation with its authorities, in a statement on Monday, September 7.

Ambassador asked Kenyans in the international community to respect directives given by the host state and carry on activities within the confines of the law.

I urge everyone of you to obey fully all the law and administrative directions given by the host country from time to time,” Wambuma said.

He also pledged Kenyans in Burundi that the diplomatic relationship between Nairobi and Bujumbura was normal despite the concerns that have surfaced following President William Ruto’s comments on foreign nationals running small-scale businesses in Kenya.

“Our ties with Burundi have been as cordial as ever before because we wish to assure Kenyans residing in Burundi that our relations with the country are being maintained in this manner,” Wambuma added.

The envoy also wanted to clarify comments by President Ruto, which he said had been taken out of context, and had since caused misconceptions and anxiety among some Kenyans resident in Burundi.

Wambuma explained the President’s comments in the context of the Local Content Bill 2025 before parliament, which aims to revolutionize trade and investment in Kenya.

The clarification follows a press statement by Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui yesterday, Sept. 6, detailing the background to the President’s remarks.

Wambuma says the two governments of Kenya and Burundi are in the process of addressing concerns and addressing any misunderstandings.

The President’s statement has generated questions and concerns from some of you which I have heard with anxiety and the governments of Kenya and Burundi have been working together to correct any misconceptions.

This is less than a week after President Ruto’s directive for a nationwide clampdown on foreign nationals involved in small-scale businesses and hawking and selling without licences or permits.

On 2nd September, the President issued an order to cease their activities in India from Monday, September 7, for all unlicensed traders or undocumented foreign retail traders, kiosk operators and street vendors.

Ruto said the government had set out specific criteria for the foreign investors to meet and that the privileges they had been given don’t apply to hawking and other small business activities, which he said should be reserved for Kenyans.

The directive has led to the worry of foreign nationals living and doing business in Kenya, including those from Burundi who rely on small businesses including selling second-hand clothes, peanuts and coffee.

The current diplomatic effort is thus geared at diffusing the situation and strengthening the message that Kenya’s enforcement actions are not a reflection of a worsening of relations between Kenya and Burundi.

Wambuma’s comments also reinforce the notion that foreign nationals must abide by local laws; meanwhile, governments should seek to resolve matters diplomatically.