Uganda rushes to protect its citizens in Kenya after Ruto’s crackdown on foreign traders

The move comes as Kenya announced plans to prohibit foreigners from owning small businesses within its borders.

As a result, the Ugandan government is now working with agencies to ensure that its citizens in Kenya obtain standard identification and documentation.

Uganda’s push is intended to quickly facilitate its citizens’ access to financial services, investment opportunities, and cross-border commercial operations.

This initiative is being spearheaded by a joint diplomatic and administrative delegation comprising the Uganda High Commission in Nairobi, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda, and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).

The effort specifically targets Ugandan nationals employed, enrolled in academic institutions, or conducting business operations within Kenya, as reported by The Star.

According to NIRA acting registrar Claire Olama said possession of a Ugandan national identification number or identity card has become increasingly important for Ugandans.

“Documentation provides the foundation for obtaining a passport or other travel documentation, which can then be used to process the permits required to legally work and conduct business in Kenya,” Olama said.

So far, per data from NIRA, around 5000 Ugandans have accessed identification services through the High Commission in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

However, the group also revealed that 5000 is relatively low against the backdrop of the figure that should be attained.

Patrick Ayota, Managing Director of NSSF Uganda, advised Ugandan nationals employed in Kenya against harboring concerns regarding the formalization of their residency and commercial operations.

“If you need to get a licence to operate, please do. Why are you hiding underground?” Ayota said.

Early in September, Kenya’s president, William Ruto, ordered a crackdown on foreigners running small businesses in Kenya, saying local traders should not be pushed out of businesses meant for them.

The Kenyan president at the time directed the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry to begin enforcement as quickly as possible against foreign nationals running businesses legally reserved for Kenyans.

“We have made efforts to improve the economy; we have not improved investor confidence for hawkers to come to Kenya,” he stated during his address to micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) traders at State House in Nairobi.

This announcement, however, sparked an uproar in the country, where African migrants began running to the country’s embassies.

As a result of the widespread panic and fears of xenophobia, Kenya announced that it was giving foreign traders 90 days to regularise their immigration status and business operations, offering a reprieve to nationals primarily from Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.