We, the undersigned East Africans and friends of the East African Community, call upon President William Ruto and the Government of Kenya to reconsider the decision restricting foreign nationals from hawking and certain small-scale businesses, particularly where it affects lawfully documented citizens of EAC Partner States.

We respect Kenya's right to protect Kenyan jobs, regulate businesses and enforce its laws.

But protecting Kenyans should not mean turning fellow East Africans into enemies.

For years, our leaders have promised us an East African Community built on regional integration, a Common Market and greater freedom for East Africans to move, work and establish themselves across Partner States.

What does that promise mean if an East African crossing an EAC border is simply treated as an unwanted foreigner?

Many affected people are ordinary men and women doing humble work — selling tea, food, clothes or vegetables, working in salons and other small businesses — simply trying to feed their families.

They must obey Kenyan law. Nobody should be above the law.

But nationality should never become a reason for harassment, discrimination or collective punishment.

We fear xenophobia
Africa has already seen the terrible consequences of xenophobic violence, particularly in South Africa, where African migrants have faced attacks, displacement and destruction of businesses.

Kenya must never reach that point.

When economic frustration is repeatedly blamed on “foreigners,” resentment can become harassment — and harassment can become violence.

We should not wait until somebody is attacked or killed before speaking out.

A Kenyan struggling to survive is not our enemy.

A Burundian selling tea is not Kenya's enemy.

A Ugandan, Tanzanian, Rwandan, Congolese, South Sudanese or Somali earning an honest living is not Kenya's enemy.

Poor Africans fighting other poor Africans will not solve unemployment.

And if every EAC country responds with “our country for our citizens only,” what will remain of the East African Community?

President Ruto, we ask you to:
Reconsider the measures where they affect lawfully documented EAC citizens.
Protect East Africans from xenophobic harassment and discrimination.
Clearly distinguish lawful EAC residents and traders when enforcing the policy.
Work with the EAC to protect both Kenyan livelihoods and regional integration.
Kenya can protect its citizens without destroying the East African dream.

Our EAC anthem asks God:

“For preservation of the East African Community; Enable us to live in peace.”
Let us make those words real.

We are neighbours.
We are East Africans.
We are not enemies. 🇪🇦
President Ruto, please reconsider this decision before division becomes something much more dangerous.

Sign and share if you believe East Africa must reject xenophobia and protect the promise of our Community.

— An East African Citizen 🇪🇦