The Kenyan government has given foreign workers 90 days to regularise their immigration and business status after President William Ruto’s directive to shut down immigrant-owned small businesses sparked panic among foreign nationals.

Kenya attracts migrants from across the East African Community (EAC), whose member states enjoy freedom of movement within the regional bloc.

Ruto had last week said foreigners were not permitted to engage in hawking or operate small shops in Kenya, giving them until Monday to stop such activities.

The directive triggered concerns among foreign nationals, particularly Burundians who make a living through street vending in Nairobi.

Hundreds of Burundians reportedly flocked to their embassy on Monday, seeking to return home amid fears of possible xenophobic attacks.

The Kenyan government has now clarified that the directive was aimed at ensuring that foreigners operating businesses in the country have the required permits and licences.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the President’s Office said the government would conduct an “orderly regularisation exercise” over the next 90 days to ensure migrants had the appropriate work permits and licences.

It warned that at the end of the 90-day period, immigration rules would be “enforced firmly and strictly in accordance with the law.”

Work permits are free for citizens of EAC member states, although many foreign workers have reportedly not completed the required registration process.

Burundi, with a population of about 15 million, is among the EAC member states alongside Kenya. Reports indicated that some Burundians had been attacked following Ruto’s initial directive.

Kenya’s junior Foreign Minister, Korir Sing’Oei, apologised to Burundians on Monday, saying some had been attacked by neighbours and friends due to a “lack of understanding.”

He explained that the government’s primary objective was to establish the identity and legal status of foreign workers and ensure that their businesses and jobs were properly registered.