Expert Warns Leaders Against Politicising Ruto’s Directive on Foreign Businesses
He argued that enforcement should focus on the legality of business activities rather than the nationality of the people involved.
Diplomacy and international relations expert Philemon Samoei. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Diplomacy and international relations expert Philemon Samoei has urged political leaders to avoid politicising President William Ruto’s directive on the documentation of foreign nationals engaged in business activities in Kenya.
Samoei said the directive should be understood within the context of enforcing Kenyan laws and protecting opportunities for legitimate local businesses rather than being interpreted as an action targeting nationals of particular countries.
He warned that linking the directive to nationality could create unnecessary tension between Kenya and its neighbours at a time when the country maintains important economic, political and diplomatic ties across the region.
“If the President’s directive is taken out of context, it could spark unnecessary diplomatic tensions between Kenya and neighbouring countries,” Samoei said.
The expert said the government’s priority should be to establish whether foreign nationals operating businesses in Kenya are complying with existing laws and regulations.
He argued that enforcement should focus on the legality of business activities rather than the nationality of the people involved.
Samoei also called on political leaders to exercise restraint when commenting on the matter, saying statements made in the political arena could have consequences beyond Kenya’s domestic debate.
“Kenya maintains important economic and diplomatic relations with its neighbours, and careless talk is detrimental to those relations,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed public discussion over the presence of foreign nationals operating businesses in Kenya and concerns about compliance with laws governing work permits, business registration and other requirements.
Samoei said the government has a responsibility to communicate the scope of the President’s directive clearly to avoid confusion among the public and the foreign business community.
He said enforcement agencies should apply the law consistently and fairly, regardless of whether an individual is Kenyan or a foreign national.
According to the expert, a clear distinction should also be maintained between action against illegal business activities and Kenya’s broader diplomatic relations with neighbouring states.
He cautioned that portraying an enforcement exercise as a campaign against citizens of particular countries could unnecessarily damage relations that have taken years to build.
Samoei said Kenya benefits significantly from its economic links with neighbouring countries, with cross-border trade, investment, employment and movement of people forming an important part of regional integration.
He therefore urged leaders to ensure that political statements do not create an impression that Kenya is closing its doors to legitimate foreign investors and traders.
At the same time, he maintained that foreign nationals conducting business in Kenya must comply with the country’s laws.
The government, he said, should strengthen documentation and verification systems while ensuring that those found operating illegally are dealt with through established legal procedures.
Samoei further argued that the enforcement process should be transparent enough to reassure both Kenyan businesses and legitimate foreign investors that the exercise is intended to promote fair competition.
He said separating the enforcement of domestic laws from regional politics would allow Kenya to address illegal business practices without creating unnecessary diplomatic disputes.
The expert’s position places emphasis on balancing two interests: protecting opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs while preserving the country’s economic and diplomatic relationships with its neighbours.
He called on political leaders to allow relevant government agencies to carry out their responsibilities and to avoid statements that could inflame tensions or create divisions along national lines.
Samoei said Kenya can enforce its laws firmly while maintaining constructive relations with neighbouring countries, provided the process remains lawful, fair and clearly communicated.
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