RUTO TAKES AIM AT CHINESE HAWKERS: “KENYANS MUST COME FIRST!”

By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor 

President William Ruto has issued a strong warning over the involvement of foreign nationals in Kenya’s small-scale retail and informal trading sector, insisting that Kenyan businesses must be protected from unfair competition.

Ruto said the government will not allow foreigners to take over opportunities that should be available to Kenyan traders, particularly in the informal economy.

The remarks have sparked debate over the presence of Chinese nationals operating small businesses and engaging in street-level trading in Kenya.

The President’s position is expected to fuel renewed discussions about work permits, business licensing and enforcement of regulations governing foreign nationals conducting business in the country.

Supporters argue that stronger enforcement would create more opportunities for Kenyan youth and small traders, while critics are likely to question how such measures would be implemented without unfairly targeting particular nationalities.

The message from State House is clear: Kenyan traders should not be pushed out of their own market.