Kenya: Burundians Seek to Return Despite Amnesty Announced by Nairobi

Tuesday 08 September 2026 - 14:09

In Nairobi, the announcement of a temporary amnesty is not enough to reassure some Burundian nationals. Several hundred of them gathered on Tuesday in front of the Burundian embassy to obtain the necessary documents for their return home. Many express fears for their safety following the hardening of the Kenyan authorities' rhetoric against small businesses operated by foreigners.

Burundian Embassy Stormed by Departure Candidates

Starting Tuesday, many Burundian nationals made their way to their embassy in Nairobi to obtain travel documents. Their goal: to leave Kenya and return to Burundi, despite the recent announcement of a measure intended to give more time to foreigners in irregular situations to regularize their status.

For these individuals, the issue is no longer merely administrative. Several testimonies collected by Reuters report threats and hostile behaviors they have faced since the Kenyan government's announcements.

William Ruto's Rhetoric Worries Foreign Workers

The situation has escalated following President William Ruto's statements last week. The head of state called for the closure of small businesses run by foreign traders, asserting that these activities should return to Kenyans.

This stance has raised concerns among foreign nationals who rely on small businesses or independent activities. Burundians present in Nairobi particularly fear that the climate created by this policy may lead to increased pressure or violence.

An Amnesty That Fails to Convince

In response to these concerns, the Kenyan presidency clarified on Tuesday that the rights of foreigners registered to work in other sectors would be protected. Those without documents must benefit from a 90-day grace period to regularize their situation.

This measure aims to prevent hasty departures and allow the affected individuals to get their paperwork in order.

However, on the ground, some Burundians say they do not feel sufficiently protected to stay. For them, the problem now exceeds the mere question of their administrative status.

"We Feel Unwanted"

Among the nationals met in Nairobi, the prevailing sentiment is one of insecurity.

Habonimana Jacques, a Burundian motorcycle taxi driver cited by Reuters, believes that presidential statements have contributed to creating a hostile environment. He also claims that some Kenyans are already harassing Burundian nationals.

His testimony illustrates the gap between the amnesty announced by the authorities and the perception of certain migrants on the ground. Even with an additional period to regularize their status, they fear they will no longer be able to work or live normally in Kenya.

A Crisis That Goes Beyond Paperwork

The departure of these Burundians highlights the tensions that can arise from a policy aimed at reserving certain economic activities for nationals.

For Nairobi, the stated goal is to protect economic opportunities for Kenyans while maintaining a distinction between foreigners who are compliant and those who do not have the necessary documents.

For those seeking to leave today, however, the priority seems to lie elsewhere: finding an environment where they feel safe.