Kenya Offers Amnesty to Undocumented East African Migrants Amid Burundian Exodus

Kenya has announced a temporary amnesty for undocumented East African migrants following an influx of Burundians seeking travel documents at their embassy in Nairobi. This move comes after President William Ruto's government ordered the closure of small businesses operated by foreigners without work permits, leading to increased tensions and reports of harassment against Burundians. According to the United Nations, approximately 16,000 Burundian migrants and refugees reside in Kenya, many of whom run small street businesses. On Monday, crowds gathered outside the Burundian embassy to obtain papers for their return home, with some individuals reporting threats and violence from neighbors. In response, a government spokesman encouraged undocumented nationals from East African countries, particularly Burundi, to register at their embassies. The statement indicated that individuals undergoing registration would be considered legally present in Kenya during this period. The government also directed security agencies to prevent arbitrary harassment of foreign nationals and warned against exploiting the situation to incite xenophobia. Junior Foreign Minister Korir Sing’Oei visited the embassy to apologize to Burundians and assured them of police protection in areas affected by violence. Critics have accused President Ruto of scapegoating foreigners for Kenya's economic challenges ahead of the upcoming election.