Ruto said the government would promote legislation to identify areas of economic activity where priority should be given to Kenyan citizens.
Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered authorities to begin shutting down small businesses run by foreign nationals starting Monday, September 7, saying street trading and small-scale retail should be reserved for Kenyans.
Speaking to micro, small and medium-sized businesses at the State House residence in Nairobi on Wednesday, Ruto said Kenya welcomes foreign investment but stressed that foreigners should not compete with the country's citizens in businesses requiring small capital investments.
«From next week, all merchants engaged in such small businesses should close them.». — Ruto said.
«We've made efforts to improve the economy, but we haven't increased investor confidence for street vendors to come to Kenya.». — He added.
«Priority — Kenyan citizens»
Ruto said the government would promote legislation to identify areas of economic activity where priority should be given to Kenyan citizens.
«We have a trade bill in parliament. In this bill — «Local content bill» Local Content Bill, 2025 — We have proposed that there should be businesses that foreigners are legally prohibited from doing here in Kenya.». — He said.
«It can’t be that a person comes from China or anywhere else to become a street vendor or open a small store.». — added Ruto.
The local content bill, which is currently before parliament, stipulates that foreign companies must employ Kenyans for at least 80% of their staff and purchase at least 60% of said goods and services from local suppliers. Companies using agricultural products for production will have to purchase them entirely from Kenyan farmers.
Ruto instructed National Assembly parliamentary majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Cabinet Secretary for Trade Lee Kinyanjui to speed up the adoption of the legislation.
