Citizens of Burundi outside the Embassy along Dennis Pritt Road Nairobi, on September 8, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'ABurundian nationals gathered outside the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi on Tuesday, seeking passports and emergency travel documents amid uncertainty following Kenya’s renewed crackdown on foreigners engaged in small-scale trade.
Some arrived with suitcases, sacks, backpacks and mattresses wrapped in plastic, with several people resting on their luggage as they waited to be served.
Families, including mothers with young children, were also seen among the crowd, surrounded by packed household belongings.
The gathering follows scenes witnessed at the embassy and nearby cyber cafés on Monday, where hundreds of Burundians sought travel documents and other paperwork.
The documentation services are routinely offered by the embassy, but the increased numbers have coincided with anxiety following President William Ruto’s September 2 directive for enforcement action against foreigners operating small businesses.
Ruto directed the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry to begin enforcement action, saying Kenyan traders should be protected from unfair competition.
The remarks sparked concern among some foreign nationals, with videos circulating online showing people from Burundi and other countries carrying belongings at bus stages.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei later clarified that Kenya remains open to traders and employees of all nationalities who have the required documentation, work permits and licences.
Police have also said they had not received reports of harassment of Burundian, Congolese or Rwandan nationals or confirmed an exodus of foreigners.
Sing’oei visited the Embassy of Burundi on Monday evening, where he apologised to Burundian nationals who he said had faced harassment after President William Ruto’s directive on foreigners operating small businesses was misunderstood.
Sing’oei assured the nationals that the government would work to ensure their safety and documentation, while those who wished to return home would be facilitated.
Despite the apology and assurances, the situation outside the embassy remained tense on Tuesday, with Burundian nationals continuing to queue with suitcases, mattresses and other packed belongings as they sought travel documents or waited for further information.
Citizens of Burundi outside the Embassy along Dennis Pritt Road Nairobi on September 8, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Citizens of Burundi outside their Embassy along Dennis Pritt Road, Nairobi on September 6, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Citizens of Burundi outside their Embassy along Dennis Pritt Road, Nairobi on September 8, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Citizens of Burundi outside their Embassy along Dennis Pritt Road Nairobi, on September 8, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Citizens of Burundi outside their Embassy along Dennis Pritt Road, Nairobi, on September 8, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
