•Concerns Over Compliance With Immigration and Labor Laws
Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute has called for an urgent review of the increasing number of foreign nationals engaging in Kenya’s informal business sector.
Addressing the Senate, he expressed concerns that a growing presence of non-Kenyans in small-scale enterprises—such as barber shops, salons, and other informal businesses—could be undermining local employment opportunities and economic stability.
Senator Chute formally requested a statement from the Senate Committee on National Security, Defense, and Foreign Relations, chaired by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, seeking clarity on whether this trend aligns with Kenya’s labor and immigration policies.
He questioned whether the sudden influx of foreign workers in these sectors was in compliance with existing legal frameworks regulating employment and business ownership.
“The Committee should explain the sudden proliferation of foreign nationals in informal businesses and whether this aligns with existing labor and immigration policies,” Chute stated.
Call for Data and Policy Review
Beyond seeking policy clarification, Senator Chute urged the government to provide concrete data on the legal status of these foreign nationals.
He demanded transparency on whether they hold the necessary permits to operate businesses in Kenya and if they comply with licensing, taxation, and labor laws.
His concerns center on the potential displacement of Kenyan workers and entrepreneurs by foreign individuals who may be operating without proper authorization.
The senator also emphasized the need for government intervention to ensure that local citizens are not unfairly disadvantaged.
He called for an assessment of whether regulatory agencies are adequately enforcing immigration and labor laws to protect Kenyan business owners and workers.
Balancing Economic Opportunities and Regulation
The debate over foreign nationals engaging in informal business activities in Kenya is not new. While some argue that foreign entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth and job creation, others worry about unfair competition, lack of proper documentation, and the potential erosion of opportunities for local citizens.
Senator Chute’s concerns add to a broader national conversation on Kenya’s labor and immigration policies, highlighting the need for clear regulations that balance economic integration with the protection of local businesses.
His push for accountability suggests that the government may need to review existing frameworks to ensure that foreign investments in small-scale enterprises do not come at the expense of Kenyan workers.
As the Senate Committee on National Security, Defense, and Foreign Relations takes up the matter, stakeholders across various sectors will be keenly watching for policy recommendations and potential government action.
The outcome could shape future regulations on foreign participation in Kenya’s informal economy.
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