Burundi Raises Concern Over Treatment of Citizens in Kenya
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Burundi has raised concern over the alleged harassment of its citizens in Kenya following a government directive targeting undocumented foreign nationals involved in small-scale businesses.
Burundi’s Foreign Affairs Minister Édouard Bizimana called on Kenya to ensure the safety of Burundian nationals living and working in the country, warning that continued anti-Burundian rhetoric could affect relations between the two East African neighbours.
The concerns emerged after hundreds of Burundians travelled to their embassy in Nairobi seeking assistance with passports and emergency travel documents. Some said they were considering returning to Burundi because of fears over their safety and uncertainty about their ability to continue operating businesses in Kenya.
The anxiety followed President William Ruto’s directive for authorities to take action against foreigners operating small-scale businesses without the required permits and documentation. The announcement caused concern among several East African communities living and trading in Kenya.
Burundi’s government has argued that its citizens should be protected from threats and harassment. Bizimana said Kenyans living in Burundi have generally been able to live and work peacefully and urged Kenya to ensure the same treatment for Burundians in Kenya.
Kenya moves to calm tensions
The Kenyan government has since moved to clarify the directive and reassure foreign nationals that the exercise is intended to regularise their status rather than target them because of their nationality.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei visited the Burundi Embassy in Nairobi and apologised to Burundian nationals who had experienced harassment or ridicule following what he described as a misunderstanding of the government’s message.
Sing’oei said the government wanted foreign nationals to obtain the necessary documentation so that their presence, residence and businesses could be properly accounted for.
He also assured the Burundians that the government would strengthen security in areas where they live and take measures to prevent further harassment.
The government has also announced a 90-day period for undocumented East African nationals to regularise their status. Officials have said foreigners who meet immigration and business requirements will continue to receive protection under Kenyan law.
Presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the government would not tolerate xenophobia, intimidation or violence against foreign nationals during the process.
Regional lawyers warn against discrimination
The developments have attracted attention from the East Africa Law Society, which warned that enforcement of Kenya’s laws should not turn into discrimination based on nationality.
EALS President Ramadhan Abubakar said Kenya has the right to regulate businesses, enforce immigration requirements and protect local economic interests. However, he stressed that enforcement must comply with the Constitution, national laws and Kenya’s obligations under the East African Community framework.
The lawyers’ body said a person suspected of violating Kenyan law should be dealt with according to the specific offence and circumstances of the case.
It also warned against treating nationality as proof that someone is operating illegally.
The issue has wider implications because Kenya and Burundi are members of the East African Community, whose Common Market framework provides for movement of people, labour, goods, services and capital among partner states.
Burundians weigh return home
Despite assurances from the Kenyan government, some Burundians have continued seeking travel documents to leave the country.
Images and reports from Nairobi showed large numbers of Burundian nationals gathering at their embassy, with some carrying luggage as they prepared for a possible return home.
The situation has also attracted concern among other East African nationals living in Kenya, with reports of anxiety among some Ugandan and Rwandan communities.
The Kenyan government now faces the task of enforcing immigration, labour and business regulations while ensuring that the exercise does not lead to harassment or discrimination against foreign nationals.
For Burundi, the protection of its citizens remains a key concern as both countries seek to prevent the dispute from damaging their longstanding bilateral relationship.
The unfolding situation has also revived questions about the implementation of the EAC Common Market and the balance between protecting local businesses and allowing citizens of member states to work and conduct legitimate economic activities across the region.
Kenyan authorities have urged undocumented foreigners to use the 90-day regularisation period to obtain the necessary papers, while warning that enforcement measures will follow after the deadline.
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