**Kenya Offers Amnesty to Undocumented Migrants Amid Burundian Exodus**
Nairobi, Kenya – In response to a surge of Burundian nationals seeking to leave the country, the Kenyan government has announced a temporary amnesty for undocumented East African migrants. This decision follows a directive from President William Ruto's administration to shut down small businesses operated by foreigners without work permits.
On September 7, 2026, hundreds of Burundians flocked to their embassy in Nairobi to apply for travel documents, driven by fears of harassment and violence in the wake of the government's announcement. Many reported feeling threatened by neighbors, with some claiming they had been attacked or robbed since the directive was issued. Jean-Baptiste Ndayizeye, a pastor among those affected, expressed the distress of his community, stating, “They’ve expelled us like animals.”
The Kenyan Ministry of Trade's order, which took effect on September 11, specifically targets undocumented small-scale traders, a move that has sparked chaos and anxiety among the approximately 16,000 Burundian migrants and refugees living in Kenya. Many of these individuals rely on small street businesses for their livelihoods, making the government's directive particularly impactful.
In an effort to mitigate the situation, the Kenyan government has urged undocumented migrants, particularly those from Burundi, to register at their respective embassies. A spokesperson for Ruto's administration emphasized that during this registration period, individuals would be presumed legally present in Kenya, allowing them to access essential services such as healthcare and banking without fear of deportation. The statement aimed to reassure migrants and encourage them to come forward, stating, “This window is designed to bring our brothers and sisters out of the shadows.”
In conjunction with the amnesty, the government has directed security agencies and local authorities to ensure that foreign nationals are not subjected to arbitrary harassment or discrimination. The administration has pledged to take action against any individuals who exploit the situation to incite xenophobia or mistreat migrants.
Following reports of violence against Burundians, Kenya’s junior foreign minister, Korir Sing’Oei, visited the embassy to apologize and reassure the community. He acknowledged the long-standing peaceful coexistence between Burundians and Kenyans, promising that police would be deployed to protect areas where violence had been reported.
Critics of President Ruto have raised concerns that the crackdown on foreign traders is politically motivated, suggesting that he is using the situation to deflect blame for Kenya’s economic challenges ahead of the upcoming elections. The government's actions have sparked a broader debate about the treatment of migrants in Kenya, a country that has historically been a destination for individuals from the East African Community, which allows for the free movement of citizens among its member states.
As the situation continues to develop, the Kenyan government’s approach to undocumented migrants will be closely monitored, both domestically and internationally. The temporary amnesty represents a significant shift in policy, aiming to balance security concerns with the need to protect vulnerable populations amidst rising tensions.