The Kenyan government on Tuesday gave foreigners running businesses in the country 90 days to obtain or update required documents, including work permits and business licenses.
The move followed remarks by the president about foreign-owned businesses that sparked panic in immigrant communities.
Presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said government agencies would carry out the process with foreign embassies. He warned against threats, harassment and intimidation of foreign businesspeople.
Hundreds of Burundian nationals went to their embassy in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Monday to obtain documents.
Some planned to return home because they fear for their lives.
Some Kenyans complain that foreigners have taken menial jobs and established small businesses, creating what they considered unfair competition for locals.
Kenya’s economy, the strongest in the East African region, has attracted foreign investors as well as laborers from neighboring countries.
President William Ruto acknowledged last week receiving complaints from small-business owners who said
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