President William Ruto has ordered foreign nationals operating small businesses in Kenya to close them, arguing that local traders and hawkers need protection. He said foreign investors should create jobs and expand production rather than compete with Kenyans in small-scale commerce. The move could appeal to local traders facing economic pressure, but it risks alienating migrants, refugees, and regional partners. Kenya hosts about 857,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers, and many foreign nationals work in informal businesses with the required permits. While the government may gain political support by promising to protect local livelihoods, the longer-term challenge is balancing economic inclusion, lawful migration, and regional trade relationships.