You have 90 days: State walks back snap order on foreign traders

Burundian nationals in Kenya at their embassy of the republic of Burundi chancery at Dennis Pritt road on September 8, 2026 [David Gichuru, Standard] Kenya has extended a five-day shutdown order against foreign small-scale traders to a 90-day window to regularise their immigration status, work permits, business registration and licensing."Kenya will protect economic opportunities for its citizens, especially within the micro and small-enterprise sector, while remaining open to lawful foreign investment, enterprise and employment," the statement said.

Under the revised approach, government agencies will guide affected foreign nationals and administer the requirements fairly and consistently over the 90 days, according to Tuesday's statement.