Civil society condemns Ruto directive on foreign-owned small businesses, warn against bias The groups warned directive threatens to reverse progress made in promoting socioeconomic integration of refugees. News Just now

“While we support the State’s legitimate objective to regulate the small business sector and protect Kenyan citizens, we note that the directive as pronounced is unconstitutional and, if implemented indiscriminately, will be in violation of domestic and international law,” the organisations said.

The organisations further pointed to Kenya’s obligations under international and regional law, noting that the country is a State Party to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the 1969 Organisation of African Unity Refugee Convention, both of which recognise refugees’ right to engage in wage-earning employment and self-employment.

While acknowledging the government’s legitimate interest in regulating the small business sector and protecting Kenyan citizens, the organisations said the directive, as pronounced, raises serious constitutional and legal concerns.