Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured China of the safety of its citizens, contractors and investments in Kenya as the government moves to enforce stricter rules on foreigners operating businesses in the country.
Murkomen gave the assurance during bilateral talks with China’s Vice Minister for Public Security Qi Yanjun in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, where the two sides discussed security cooperation and efforts to combat transnational organised crime.
The assurance comes as the government prepares to take action against foreigners operating outside the law following President William Ruto’s declaration that certain small-scale businesses should be reserved for Kenyans.
The government has given foreign nationals 90 days to regularise their status, with those conducting businesses required to ensure their immigration, work permit, business registration and licensing documents are in order.
Murkomen said Kenya would continue protecting Chinese citizens and businesses operating lawfully in the country.
“I assured the Chinese Government of the safety and security of Chinese citizens living and working in Kenya, as well as Chinese contractors, personnel and assets involved in various infrastructure projects across the country,” he said.
The CS who is in the country to attend the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum said Kenya and China had a long-standing security partnership covering police training, capacity building, counterterrorism cooperation and the fight against transnational organised crime.
He said the two countries were seeking to deepen the partnership by leveraging technology to tackle emerging forms of crime.
“Our discussions focused on enhancing our security cooperation, leveraging technology to combat emerging crimes, and enhancing collaboration in the fight against transnational organised crime,” Murkomen said.
The meeting was held at the Bayview Conference Centre and was attended by senior officials from both countries.
Murkomen also assured Beijing that Kenya was committed to securing strategic infrastructure projects involving Chinese contractors.
“I underscored our government’s commitment to securing strategic projects, including the LAPSSET Corridor Project and the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project,” he said.
The projects are being implemented in Lamu and the North Eastern region and are expected to strengthen regional connectivity and trade.
The engagement comes amid increased scrutiny of foreigners operating businesses in Kenya, particularly in sectors the government says should provide opportunities for Kenyan citizens.
Ruto has directed authorities to enforce the law while giving foreign nationals a window to regularise their documentation and comply with immigration and business regulations.
The 90-day period is intended to allow affected foreigners to regularise their immigration status, obtain the necessary work permits and ensure their businesses are properly registered and licensed.
Murkomen's assurance to China signals that the government's enforcement drive is not intended to target foreigners who are legally operating in the country.
On his part, Qi expressed confidence in Kenya’s security efforts and pledged continued cooperation and support to the National Police Service.
Murkomen was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Kenya’s Chargé d’Affaires to China Lynette Mwende and other officials.
The two sides are expected to strengthen cooperation in police training, technology, intelligence sharing and combating crimes that operate across national borders.
Murkomen said Kenya remained committed to ensuring a secure environment for all law-abiding foreign nationals while enforcing its laws and protecting economic opportunities for Kenyans.
