President William Ruto’s recent directive targeting foreigners operating small businesses in Kenya has sparked mixed reactions in Kwale, with residents divided between protecting employment opportunities for Kenyans and concerns that the move could fuel xenophobia tendencies.
The debate has particularly attracted attention in areas such as Diani and Kombani, where people from different East African countries live, work and conduct business alongside locals.
Some foreign nationals say the directive has created uncertainty over their livelihoods, particularly those dependent on small businesses and casual employment.
A Burundian coffee seller in Diani, identified as Jean Niyonzima, said the Government has a responsibility to protect opportunities for Kenyans but cautioned against hostility towards foreigners.
“I understand that Kenyans also need jobs and opportunities, but I am afraid that people will start seeing every Burundian as someone who has come to take their opportunity,” he said.
Niyonzima said foreigners legally residing and working in Kenya should be allowed to earn a living within the law, noting that many had established close ties with the communities where they live.
At Kombani Junction, a restaurant waiter, identified as Patrick Emeka, said the issue should be addressed through enforcement of immigration and labour laws rather than discrimination based on nationality.
“If someone is working here legally and doing their job, I do not think we should automatically blame them for the problems Kenyans are facing,” he said.
Emeka said authorities should establish whether foreign workers had the required documentation and whether employers were complying with labour regulations before taking action.
However, some residents support the Government’s position, arguing that foreigners are competing with Kenyans for jobs at a time when unemployment remains a major concern.
James Njoroge, a resident of the area, said some foreign workers accept lower wages, making it difficult for Kenyans to compete for casual jobs.
“If a casual labourer is supposed to be paid Sh500, you find a foreigner accepting Sh300 or even 200 to get the job. A Kenyan cannot compete with that,” he said.
Njoroge said the situation was particularly noticeable in casual construction work, where workers often negotiate wages directly with foremen or contractors.
He said he did not oppose foreigners living in Kenya but called for measures to ensure that Kenyan workers were not disadvantaged by unfair wage competition.
The differing views highlight the challenge facing Kenya in balancing the protection of employment and business opportunities for its citizens with its role as a regional economic hub.
Kenya hosts nationals from several African countries who come to work, trade, study and invest, while Kenyans also seek employment and business opportunities across the region and beyond.
Residents said enforcement of the Government directive should therefore focus on compliance with immigration, labour and business laws while safeguarding peaceful relations between Kenyan and foreign communities.
Niyonzima said the conversation should focus on legality and fair economic competition rather than nationality.
As the debate continues, residents in Kwale called for a balanced approach that protects opportunities for Kenyans without creating an environment where foreigners legally residing in Kenya feel threatened because of their nationality.
By Evelyn Njaramba
