Kenya has given undocumented foreign nationals running small businesses 90 days to register and comply with local laws, after President William Ruto’s call for foreign traders to leave by 7 September triggered fear, harassment reports and a diplomatic dispute. Burundians and other migrants rushed toward border crossings, while some businesses closed and families faced separation. The government says the policy is intended to protect Kenyan jobs, but critics argue Ruto’s remarks risked encouraging xenophobia and were communicated poorly. Kenya’s foreign affairs official Korir Sing’Oei apologised to Burundians and promised protection, while Ruto’s spokesman reaffirmed that the country would remain open and welcoming. The dispute also widened after Ruto ordered India’s Tata Chemicals to leave over alleged insufficient benefits for the Maasai community near its Lake Magadi soda-ash operation. Economist Odhiambo Ramogi said Kenya could lose economically by restricting regional migrants, noting that exports to Burundi reached $56 million last year.