President William Ruto says a Bill set for passage in Parliament will bar foreign nationals from hawking in Kenya, as he moves to protect opportunities for local traders.
President William Ruto says a Bill currently before Parliament will bar foreign nationals from engaging in hawking in Kenya.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Ruto says the proposed law is expected to pass on Monday, paving the way for restrictions on foreign hawkers.
“Huwezi toka nchi yako ukuje kukua hawker hapa Kenya, sitaki kuona foreign hawkers kabisa hapa Kenya from next week,” Ruto says.
The President says Kenya has been working to strengthen its economy, lower inflation and build investor confidence, but argues that the confidence is meant to attract investors rather than foreign hawkers and traders.
“Ile investor confidence tumejenga si ya hawkers, inflation tumeteremsha, uchumi tumejengeneza, hatujajenga investor confidence ndio hawkers wakuje Kenya, hapana, investor confidence tumejenga ni ya wawekezaji, investors, sio traders na hawkers,” Ruto says.
Ruto distinguishes investors from hawkers
Ruto says Kenya remains open to foreign investors but does not want foreign nationals coming into the country to operate as hawkers.
“The only foreign people allowed in Kenya are foreign investors sio hawkers,” he says.
The proposed legislation is therefore aimed at restricting foreign participation in hawking while maintaining space for foreign investment in the country.
The Bill has not yet become law. Ruto’s remarks indicate that the next step will be its consideration and passage in Parliament.
If Parliament passes it as indicated, the new rules would change the requirements for foreign nationals currently involved in hawking in Kenya.
