| Kenya, President William Ruto
Kenya is beginning a crackdown on foreign nationals operating small retail shops and engaging in hawking, after President William Ruto directed authorities to shut down such businesses from September 7, according to Al Jazeera.
Ruto announced this on September 2 while addressing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, MSME. traders at State House in Nairobi.
He said foreigners should not compete with Kenyans in businesses such as hawking and small retail, while foreign investment was welcome in activities requiring greater capital.
Ruto directed authorities to begin shutting down small businesses operated by foreign nationals from September 7, saying hawking and small-scale retail should be reserved for Kenyans.
He said the government would take administrative action while the Parliament of Kenya considers the proposed Local Content Bill, 2025.
He also directed National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui to accelerate the bill’s passage through Parliament.
