Nigerian Businesses Not Targeted In Kenya As Crackdown Begins – Envoy

Nigerians living in Kenya may have heaved  a sigh of relief as reports have emerged that they are going about their normal businesses without molestation in the East African country, following the threat of the Kenyan government to crackdown on foreign-owned small businesses.

Nigerian High Commissioner to Kenya Danlami Ibrahim, told LEADERSHIP on Wednesday that Nigerians in the country   have not exercised any panic over the policy announced last week by the Kenyan President Ruto, who gave September 7, 2026 as the take -off date for the implementation of the policy.

The Nigerian envoy, who informed our correspondent about the development,  said  he had met with the Nigerian community leaders and Nigerian professionals  and socio-cultural organizations and others, and there was nothing to be afraid of as the policy is not targeted at Nigerians

He added that most of the petty trading is done by citizens of some east African countries, even to dispel the fear of another form of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in Kenya, reminiscent of the ugly development in South Africa.

Kenyan President William Ruto announced a massive crackdown beginning from Monday September 7, 2026 on foreigners operating small-scale businesses in Kenya, a move he claimed is to protect local traders from undue competition.

Mr Ruto, at a meeting with small traders in the State House in Nairobi last Wednesday, said foreigners would not be allowed to compete in small businesses with local traders.

“From next week, all (foreign) traders doing those small businesses should close them,” Mr Ruto said. He said although his country is open for business, foreigners cannot be allowed to take over small businesses from local traders.

“It cannot be that a person comes from China or elsewhere to be a hawker or open a small shop,” Mr Ruto said.

He added, “We have made efforts to improve the economy, we have not improved investor confidence for hawkers to come to Kenya.”

Mr Ruto, is seeking re-election next year, and perhaps trying to act populist with a promise to speed up legislation barring foreigners from certain businesses in Kenya.