Hundreds of Burundian nationals gathered at their embassy in Nairobi on Tuesday seeking travel documents to return home, saying they feared for their safety despite Kenya’s temporary amnesty for undocumented East African nationals. The development followed President William Ruto’s directive last week to stop foreign nationals from operating small-scale businesses, arguing that such activities should be reserved for Kenyan citizens. The Presidency later clarified that legally registered foreigners would continue to be allowed to work in other sectors, while undocumented migrants would be given 90 days to regularise their status. ‘We Feel Unwanted’ Despite the amnesty, some Burundians at the embassy said they preferred to leave Kenya, expressing doubts that the government’s assurances would guarantee their safety. Several said they had experienced threats and harassment since the crackdown was announced. A Burundian motorcycle taxi operator, Habonimana Jacques, said the government’s announcement had made them feel unwelcome and questioned whether remaining in Kenya would be safe. Another Burundian trader, Eric Niyonkur, said he and others had decided it was time to return home. He claimed some people had spent two nights at the embassy while waiting for travel documents. Reports also indicated that some Ugandans living in Kenya were heading back across the border, although the reports had not been independently verified. According to the UN refugee agency, Kenya hosts about 16,000 Burundian refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom engage in small-scale businesses in Nairobi. The government’s crackdown has attracted criticism, with opponents accusing President Ruto of shifting blame for Kenya’s economic challenges onto foreign nationals ahead of the 2027 General Election. In response, Presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed urged undocumented foreigners to use the 90-day amnesty period to regularise their stay, warning that enforcement would begin once the period expires. He also cautioned against xenophobia, stressing that the government would not tolerate discrimination, violence or lawlessness against foreign nationals.