Government spokesperson Charles Owino speaking during a press briefing on the state of the nation at Harambee Annex, Nairobi on August 26, 2026/ FILEUndocumented Burundian nationals living in Kenya will be allowed temporary legal protection as the government moves to regularise their status.
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said the government is establishing a formal documentation and registration window for undocumented East African Community nationals, with specific attention to Burundian citizens.
Owino said those affected should present themselves to their respective High Commissions or Embassies for formal identity registration.
"We call upon all undocumented East African Community nationals, and specifically Burundian citizens currently residing in Kenya, to immediately present themselves to their respective High Commissions or Embassies for formal identity registration," Owino said.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work with the Embassy of Burundi and other regional partners to manage and regularise the cases.
During the designated registration period, individuals undergoing the process will be presumed to be legally present in Kenya, according to the government.
The arrangement is intended to enable those undergoing registration to access health, banking and legal protections without fear.
Owino said the government recognises that some East African nationals have been living and operating in Kenya without full documentation due to historical circumstances and regional dynamics.
He said lack of documentation can leave affected individuals vulnerable to exploitation, health emergencies and harassment by law enforcement.
The government also warned against harassment, intimidation and xenophobia targeting foreign nationals.
“In many instances, this lack of documentation leaves these individuals vulnerable to exploitation, health emergencies, and unnecessary harassment by law enforcement. We recognize and deeply appreciate the rich contributions made by East African nationals, particularly our Burundian brothers and sisters, to Kenya's trade, culture, and socio-economic fabric,” he said.
Owino directed national security agencies, local authorities and businesses not to subject foreign nationals, including those undergoing registration, to arbitrary harassment or discrimination.
He said anyone seeking to use the recent immigration and trade directives to fuel xenophobic sentiment or mistreat Kenya's neighbours would face the full force of the law.
The government said it is also strengthening monitoring of migrant safety in urban centres in partnership with civil society networks and humanitarian organisations.
Owino said the measures should not be interpreted as a blanket ban on foreign nationals.
He reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to the East African Community Common Market Protocol, saying the country's relationship with its regional neighbours remains anchored on shared history, culture and economic ties.
The clarification follows recent public debate and media reports surrounding government directives on foreign workers and small-scale retail and informal trade.
Owino said President William Ruto issued the directives on September 2, 2026, with the government saying they are intended to protect vulnerable sectors of the domestic economy, safeguard local livelihoods and maintain the integrity of national identity systems.
“We note with concern that some media reports-including recent coverage by international outlets such as Le Monde-have misinterpreted these administrative measures as a blanket ban or hostile action targeting foreign nationals, particularly those from our neighboring East African states,” he added.
