The government has moved to establish a Joint Task Team to oversee emerging issues involving Burundian nationals in Kenya and ensure that any return exercise is conducted voluntarily, transparently and with dignity.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the team was being constituted following high-level talks between Kenya, Burundi and international agencies on the humanitarian needs of Burundian nationals.
Sing’oei met Burundi’s Ambassador Evelyne Habonimana, UNHCR Kenya representative Fatima Mohammed-Cole and IOM Kenya representative Nomagugu Ncube at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
The task team will provide a joint coordination mechanism for addressing concerns arising during the regularisation and possible return of Burundian nationals.
“An active Joint Task Team is presently being constituted to address emerging issues,” Sing’oei said.
The government has also extended the regularisation window by 90 days, giving affected Burundian nationals additional time to regularise their status.
Sing’oei said the extension was intended to support an orderly process while ensuring the rights and welfare of foreign nationals were protected.
He assured all foreign nationals in Kenya of their safety and warned against harassment during the exercise.
“We strongly guarantee the safety of all foreign nationals; no harassment will be tolerated,” he said.
The task team is expected to strengthen coordination between Kenyan authorities, the Burundian government and international organisations involved in migration and humanitarian affairs.
Sing’oei said any return exercises would be undertaken only on a voluntary and informed basis, with the process jointly documented.
“Any return exercises will be strictly voluntary, informed, and transparently recorded under our joint coordination,” he said.
The involvement of UNHCR and IOM is expected to provide humanitarian and migration expertise as the government handles individual cases and any voluntary returns.
The initiative comes as the government prepares to take strict action against foreigners operating outside the law.
This follows President William Ruto’s declaration that certain small-scale businesses should be reserved for Kenyans as the government moves to protect economic opportunities in the micro and small-enterprise sector.
During the 90 days, foreign nationals conducting businesses in Kenya have been asked to regularise their immigration, work permit, registration and licensing status.
Sing’oei said the discussions reflected the spirit of East African cooperation, with the parties working together to ensure “order, dignity, and safety” for Burundian nationals.
The 90-day extension will give the task team time to address emerging concerns while allowing affected individuals to comply with immigration requirements.
The government said it would continue working with Burundi and its international partners to ensure the process remains orderly, transparent and respectful of the rights of foreign nationals.
