Kenya offers amnesty for migrants after Burundians rush to leave

Government spokesman urges undocumented nationals from other East African countries to formally register at embassies.Published On 8 Sep 20268 Sep 2026Kenya has offered a temporary amnesty to undocumented East African migrants after hundreds of Burundians rushed to their country’s embassy in Nairobi seeking travel documents to return home.Kenyan President William Ruto’s government last week ordered authorities to close small businesses run by foreigners, starting on Monday.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2Why is Kenya cracking down on foreign traders and small retailers?list 2 of 2Kenya’s aviation strike is over, but the dispute is far from settledend of listThe order, which Kenya’s Ministry of Trade said applied to foreigners operating without work permits, led to chaos outside Burundi’s embassy on Monday, with some Burundians saying they had been threatened by neighbours since Ruto’s remarks.Kenya has long drawn migrants from the East African Community, an intergovernmental organisation that allows freedom of movement for citizens of its eight member states, including Burundi.About 16,000 Burundian migrants and refugees live in the country, according to the United Na...