Kenya’s government has moved to allay concerns among foreign traders following President William Ruto’s recent statements that cast doubt on the legal status of foreign-owned businesses in the country. According to the article, Ruto had reportedly instructed authorities to commence the closure of such businesses starting September 7, as part of a measure aimed at limiting small-scale retail operations to Kenyan nationals. However, the principal secretary for foreign affairs clarified that the president’s comments were actually in reference to an ongoing debate surrounding proposed employment legislation.
The article notes that Ruto’s remarks were made prior to his order for Tata Chemicals to vacate the country, accusing the company of neglecting local job creation and mineral processing. The president, who is poised to seek re-election in August, has increasingly emphasized themes of employment and wealth generation in his campaign narrative. This focus on economic issues follows Ruto’s 2017 election victory, during which he pledged to uplift the living standards of Kenya’s most impoverished citizens. Nevertheless, his popularity has waned in the face of tax increases that have sparked public demonstrations. 1
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Kenya’s government clarifies foreign trader remarks. (n.d.). Yahoo News. Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/kenyas-government-clarifies-foreign-trader-124757759.html ↩