Rutoโs call for foreigners to leave Kenya during his campaign roadside declaration has caused considerable jitters and has already triggered xenophobic sentiments across the region.
But letโs be clear: I am not opposed to foreigners visiting or working in Kenya. This is a sensitive matter that touches directly on our foreign policy and our commitments under the East African Community.
President Ruto himself declared Kenya a visa-free destination for visitors from around the world during his Jamhuri Day speech on 12 December 2023. The policy took effect on 1 January 2024, replacing traditional visas with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Making entry into Kenya easier inevitably contributed to increased foreign arrivals.
The problem, therefore, is not that foreigners came to Kenya. The problem is whether the government has proper policies to manage immigration, employment and taxation while protecting the interests of Kenyan workers.
The EAC Common Market was established to facilitate the free movement of people, goods, services, labour and capital across member states. These are achievements we should protect, not casually undermine through roadside political declarations.
No country should leave its citizens exposed while foreigners take up opportunities meant for its own people. But neither can Kenya simply turn around and chase away foreigners because they are accused of taking jobs from Kenyans.
Think about the consequences. If Burundians living and working legally in Kenya are suddenly targeted in the name of protecting Kenyan jobs, what happens to Kenyans living and working in Burundi? What happens to Kenyans in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and other EAC countries?
This is why such statements are reckless. They can have serious diplomatic consequences far beyond Kenyaโs borders.
What the President should be doing is working with Parliament, counties, employers, labour unions and the relevant embassies to establish clear policies: foreigners should have legitimate documentation, comply with immigration requirements, pay the taxes required of them and compete within a properly regulated labour marketโwhile Kenyan workers are equally protected.
We cannot declare Kenya open to the world and then suddenly blame foreigners for responding to that openness. We recently condemned xenophobia in South Africa. We cannot condemn it there and tolerate rhetoric that risks producing the same thing here.
Kenya is a regional leader. Our words carry consequences. Protect Kenyan workers, yes. Enforce our immigration laws, absolutely. But do it through policy, legislation, and diplomacyโnot roadside declarations that put ordinary Africans at risk.
๐ฅ Video: NTV Kenya
#FirstLadyInSiaya Joywo PS Oluga Samia Suluhu #TheBomaYanguPromise Delivering Housing Pledge
'Kitu real hii dunia ni mwezi na jua.'
Kenyans shocked after an unedited video shows gospel and celebrity couple Kabi Wa Jesus and his wife Milly Wa Jesus using sliced onions to force tears to come out during a podcast.
THE COUNTRY HAS BEEN SOLD
Guys as we were busy politicing and catching bullets left right and centre, parliament passed the GOVERNMENT OWNED ENTERPRISES ACT 2025
Do you know what that bill has done?
Its given the presidency a through pass to privatise 63 parastatals without going back to parliament! Without seeking even public participation!
You know what, of the 63 parastatals, 18 have already gone!
Have you seen government parastatals change names and add LIMITED at the end?
It means they have been privatised.
Privately the shares have been sold to foreign and local companies, they will later list the same at NSE and reap the profits when the prices go up.
Imagine a parastatal like Kenya Railways, all the land is gone! Kenya Seed Company!
The kind of colonisation coming to be fall us is worse that the 1900
Wake up from your slumber
Kuna maandamano Monday ๐
How is the situation in your area ahead of the protests? Are businesses operating normally or are people already preparing for disruptions?
#RejectFinanceBill2026
KTN pens down another open letter to the President
"Before you left quietly last night, you left behind a nation grappling with the highest oil pump prize in Kenya's history. You offered no explanation, no statement. You literally buried uour head in the sand, ignoring every cry from your hustlers"
Eric Okeyo: President Macron is just an acrobat, he was all over cooking ugali and sukuma. He is like William Ruto who is in Nyanza 38 times relaunching projects that were launched by Uhuru #CitizenDayBreak