Kenya's Crackdown on Foreign Hawkers Sparks Xenophobia Concerns

Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on foreign nationals working as hawkers, a move that has prompted concerns about rising xenophobia in the country, according to Deutsche Welle.

The directive targets foreigners engaged in informal street trading, an occupation that employs large numbers of Kenyans in urban centers. Critics have warned that the crackdown could fuel resentment and discrimination against foreign nationals residing in Kenya.

The Kenyan government has sought to reassure the public and foreign residents that the measure is not intended to target all foreigners indiscriminately. Officials have stated that legally documented foreign traders will continue to be protected under the law, according to the report.

Details on the scale of enforcement, the specific nationalities affected, and any timeline for implementation of the crackdown have not been fully disclosed in available reporting.

The move comes amid broader debates in Kenya over informal sector employment and competition for economic opportunities between citizens and foreign nationals operating small businesses.