# Why is Kenya cracking down on foreign traders and small retailers?

https://mins.news/en/item/47747

- Al Jazeera, 2026-09-07 01:08 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/7/why-is-kenya-cracking-down-on-foreign-traders-and-small-retailers?traffic_source=rss

> President William Ruto has ordered authorities to shut down small retail shops and hawking businesses operated by foreign nationals from September 7, saying such activities should be reserved for Kenyans. The government is also urging Parliament to advance the Local Content Bill, 2025. Officials later said foreigners with the required permits and licences remain legally protected, while the directive’s scope is still unclear.

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