Kenya has in the recent past been experiencing a surge in the number of foreigners from East and Central Africa who have pitched tent in the country illegally.
Their entry and subsequent influx in the country, specifically in different areas across Nairobi have sent the county’s small business owners into limbo.
Case in point – small business owners in Kahawa West have been suffering massive loses thanks to foreigners from Burundi, Rwanda and DRC who have taken over all their small businesses.
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Speaking exclusively to Nairobi News, a section of business owners in Kahawa West and who sought anonymity blamed the Kenya Kwanza government for allowing foreigners to infiltrate the country and hurting businesses belonging to locals.
One businessman claimed the foreigners have taken up small businesses such as hawking groundnuts, selling groceries, cooking pastries and others which were traditionally run by Kenyans.
With their entry into the small businesses industry, most local business people have been counting loses as they have been dividing clients.
“Something needs to be done about these foreigners, especially Burundians, Congolese and Rwandans. Their numbers have surged over the past few months. Most of them are engaging in small businesses that have been out source of income for years now. We welcome them but they should invest in big industries instead of competing for clients with us in the small businesses industry,” Mwaura (Not his real names) revealed.
The businessman added that the government should do something to curb the foreigners.
He insisted that William Ruto’s government should emulate Samia Suluhu’s recent directive ordering all foreigners to drop small businesses and invest in large industries, failure to which they risk deportation.
“Ruto should just copy Tanzania. This government should not allow foreigners to engage in small businesses. Allowing them to compete foe customers with them is unfair. We can’t host visitors and allow them to take over our country,” Mwaura added.
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