Broad-Based Government Lawmakers Back Ruto’s Crackdown on Foreign Traders

Members of Parliament (MPs) in the broad based government have backed President William Ruto’s crackdown on foreign nationals working in Kenya and directive seeking to restrict them from engaging in small-scale businesses

Speaking on a local television station on Thursday, September 10, 2026, Dagoretti North Mp Beatrice Elachi and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei questioned why foreigners should compete with Kenyans in small-scale activities such as hawking and informal retail.

Their remarks come amid heightened government scrutiny of foreigners working and conducting businesses in Kenya, particularly concerns over undocumented workers and alleged undercutting of local labour.

Cherargei said Kenya remains open to foreign investment but should not allow foreigners to dominate businesses that can be undertaken by local citizens.

“Rais anapoongea, unajua ana make proclamation. Na hii ilikuwa kufuatia wachuuzi ambao walimtembelea Ikulu, wakamurai rais ya kwamba kwa sababu sisi ni wafanyabiashara, sisi ni Wakenya. Iweje tunapata ile unfair competition?” Cherargei said.

Cherargei argued that Kenyan traders would face similar restrictions if they attempted to operate small informal businesses in some other countries.

Elachi said the issue was not about stopping foreigners from working in Kenya, but ensuring they do not take jobs by accepting wages below the legal minimum.

The Dagoretti North MP said some Kenyan workers depend on casual jobs to pay rent, educate their children and support families, making unfair competition a serious concern.

She cited construction sites, where she said some foreign workers were allegedly willing to accept lower wages than Kenyans.

“If you cannot work like a Kenyan, then be paid like a Kenyan. Otherwise, go back home, because there is also work in your country,” Elachi said.

She urged foreigners, including Burundian nationals, to regularise their stay and employment status before taking up jobs in Kenya.

“My request is simple: every person living in this country should work the way a Kenyan works,” she said.

Elachi said Kenya’s minimum wage should apply to workers regardless of nationality, arguing that employers should not use foreign labour to drive down wages.

“If there is a minimum wage, let us have it clearly. There are people carrying stones and sand at construction sites, and the law provides for their wages,” she said.

She also warned foreign investors against exploiting cheaper labour in Kenya.

“The foreign investor also takes advantage because he knows that what he does here, he cannot do in his own country,” Elachi said.

Her comments add political backing to the government’s ongoing enforcement efforts targeting foreigners suspected of violating immigration, labour and business regulations in Kenya.