Kenya's President William Ruto orders crackdown on foreigners operating small businesses - BBC News

It comes amid concerns over the growing number of traders from neighbouring countries.

Image source, State House KenyaImage caption, President Ruto said foreigner traders were welcome but only if they created jobs and expanded opportunities for Kenyans

Kenya's President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on foreigners operating small-scale businesses, saying local traders and hawkers need to be protected.

His announcement comes amid growing debate about the increasing number of African migrants involved in Kenya's vast informal economy.

"From next week, all [foreign] traders doing those small businesses should close them," he said, also promising to fast-track proposed legislation to preclude foreigners from certain areas of trade.

Ruto said Kenya remained open to foreign investment, but argued that investors - including Chinese traders - should create jobs and expand production rather than compete with Kenyans in small businesses.