There is another important part of the story that is worth highlighting.
🇧🇮 The reaction has moved beyond business
The strongest reaction among some Burundians is not simply “we are losing our businesses.” Some are saying they no longer feel safe or welcome in Kenya.
On Tuesday, September 8, Burundians told Reuters that they were still seeking travel documents to return home despite the government's new 90-day regularisation window. Some had reportedly spent two nights at the embassy without food. �
Reuters
One Burundian trader described the feeling bluntly: “We feel unwanted here.” Another said he believed remaining in Kenya would not guarantee security because of harassment they had experienced. �
Reuters
🇧🇮 Burundi's government is also becoming concerned
Burundi's Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana publicly reacted after a video circulated showing a Kenyan threatening Burundians living in Kenya. He warned that continued hate speech could affect relations, while stressing that Kenya would be responsible for the safety of Burundians in the country. �
AP News
That's significant because this is no longer purely a Kenyan domestic-business issue. If the situation continues, it could become a diplomatic issue between two EAC countries.
🇰🇪 Kenya is now trying to calm things down
The government has essentially changed the message from “close your business” to “regularise your status within 90 days.”
Foreign traders are being given time to sort out immigration status, work permits, business registration and licences. The government has also said it will not tolerate xenophobia, threats or violence against foreigners. �
AP News +1
But the damage to confidence may already have happened. Some Burundians apparently made the decision to leave before the clarification came.
And this is where your earlier point about Burundians, Congolese, Rwandans and Ugandans contributing to Kenya's economy becomes interesting: the government may be trying to protect opportunities for Kenyan traders, but the way the original directive was communicated appears to have created fear far beyond the people it intended to target.
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