Burundi Nationals on mass exodus from Kenya

Burundi nationals who have been living in Nairobi are currently crowding around bus stations, leaving the country en-masse after Kenya declared war on all foreign petty traders.

A number of Burundians, other than returning back home, have been crossing to the neighbouring country of Tanzania instead.

However, many claim that it is easier to travel to Bujumbura from either Arusha or Dar-es-salaam, than starting the whole journey at the Nairobi terminals.

Some videos showing Kenyans harassing Burundians who are hawking commodities or selling coffee in Nairobi have been going viral, creating a scenery similar to xenophobic attacks previously experienced in South Africa.

Tanzanians are also reported to suffer the consequences.

Meanwhile, the government of Kenya has issued clarification on the matter.

In a dispatch titled ‘Work Visa Applications for Foreigners,’ the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry claimed that there has been deliberate misuse of visa applications by some visitors entering Kenya.

“Further to the pronouncement by President William Ruto on the above subject, we wish to provide clarity that on 1 January 2024, Kenya implemented a visa-free entry regime for visitors from across the world,” reads the statement.

“In January 2025, the Government further approved the removal of Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements for citizens of most African countries. The move has created a positive impact on the country, particularly in tourism and investment. We continue to apply the directive to its fullest degree possible.”

Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said owing to the high number of foreigners involved in the retail and local trade sectors, there is therefore a need to align their activities and ensure compliance with work permit provisions. Persons found in contravention of the applicable visa provisions will have their visas revoked in accordance with the law.

Kenya says Visa-free entry or exemption from eTA requirements does not in itself confer the right to engage in employment, trade or business in Kenya. Such activities remain subject to the applicable immigration, work permit and other regulatory requirements.

Kenya is a signatory to the East African Community and has assented to the free movement of goods and people across the Customs Union.

This commitment remains an important consideration in the implementation of immigration and work permit requirements affecting citizens of EAC Partner States.

According to the ministry, the enforcement and implementation of the directive will be in compliance with the law and will be conducted in an orderly and transparent manner, and also in the spirit of the East African Community.

Kenya remains open and welcoming to legitimate investors and businesses that operate within the law and contribute to the country’s economic growth, job creation and development.