President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on all foreigners operating small businesses in Kenya.
The Head of Stated has directed that the exercise begin on Monday, September 7.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the president said the government would shut down foreigners engaged in small-scale trade, arguing that such businesses should be reserved for Kenyans.
President Ruto directed the government to begin the crackdown, asserting, “From next week, all traders doing those small businesses should close them.”
“We have made efforts to improve the economy…We have not improved investor confidence for hawkers to come to Kenya,” Ruto said.
According to reports, the government is considering the Local Content Bill, 2025, alongside amendments to the Public Procurement Act, both of which aim to restrict foreign dominance, mandate local hiring, and block foreign firms from competing in certain economic sectors.
Additionally, the Head of the Republic said the proposed law will identify businesses that should be exclusively reserved for Kenyan citizens.
“We have a Bill in Parliament on Trade. In that Bill (Local Content Bill, 2025), we have proposed that there should be businesses that foreigners should not do here in Kenya, by law,” the President added.
Ruto further said foreigners should not be allowed to engage in hawking or operate small retail shops in the country.
