South Sudanese trader urges Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto to ease crackdown on foreign businesses

David Ezekia Sebit

By Sasuk Taban

A South Sudanese entrepreneur in Kenya has urged the President of Kenya, His Excellency President William Ruto to ease the government’s crackdown on foreign-owned businesses, saying dialogue and stronger competition would be more effective than removing foreign traders.

David Ezekia, speaking on Morning Echo, said the Kenyan government should engage foreign traders through diplomatic missions, business leaders and other established channels to prevent misunderstandings and resolve concerns surrounding foreign businesses.

“If I can be in a position to advise H.E. President William Ruto, I would clearly say there are many channels that you can address this issue,” Ezekia said.

He said the government’s approach should focus on strengthening Kenyan entrepreneurs so they can compete with foreign businesses.

“The solution is not to remove foreign traders. The biggest solution is to make Kenyan entrepreneurs competitive enough to compete with them,” he said.

Ezekia said some Kenyans may have developed negative perceptions of foreign traders because they do not fully recognize the benefits of regional integration under the East African Community.

At the same time, Ezekia said Kenya was right to maintain the spirit of the East African Community and recognize the contribution foreign-owned businesses make to the economy.

Foreign businesses employ Kenyan workers and contribute to local economic activity, he said.

Ezekia said his main concern for foreign entrepreneurs over the next 90 days would be ensuring they have the necessary documentation to operate legally.

He urged foreign traders facing difficulties with licenses, visas or other requirements to seek assistance from their embassies.

“Your embassy is home. When you find yourself in trouble, you run to the embassy,” he said.

Ezekia said South Sudanese traders, for example, can seek assistance from their embassy with passports, visas and other documentation before applying for the required business permits.

He also appealed directly to President Dr. William Ruto to consider the broader regional relationship between Kenya and other East African countries.

“We as foreigners, we are not foreigners in East Africa,” Ezekia said. “There is no African who is a foreigner in Africa.”

He urged President William Ruto to adopt a more conciliatory approach toward foreign traders, saying cooperation would strengthen regional integration and benefit both host countries and foreign entrepreneurs.

Kenya’s President Dr. William Ruto previously served as chairperson of the East African Community before Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni assumed the position.

Ezekia’s comments come amid increased scrutiny of foreign-owned businesses in Kenya, with foreign traders facing pressure to comply with licensing, immigration and other regulatory requirements.