The government has stepped up efforts to manage the stay and possible return of Burundian nationals in Kenya by creating a joint team that will handle emerging concerns and guide the process over the next 90 days.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the Joint Task Team would bring together Kenyan authorities, the Burundian government and international organisations to coordinate issues arising from the regularisation of Burundian nationals and any voluntary returns.
The team follows high-level discussions between Kenya, Burundi and humanitarian agencies on the needs of Burundian nationals in the country.
Sing’oei held talks with Burundi’s Ambassador Evelyne Habonimana, UNHCR Kenya representative Fatima Mohammed-Cole and IOM Kenya representative Nomagugu Ncube at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
He said the new arrangement would offer a common platform for dealing with individual concerns as authorities continue with the regularisation exercise.
“An active Joint Task Team is presently being constituted to address emerging issues,” Sing’oei said.
The government has at the same time added 90 days to the period given to affected Burundian nationals to regularise their status, providing more time for those required to meet immigration and other legal conditions.
Sing’oei said the extension was meant to allow the exercise to proceed in an organised manner while safeguarding the rights and welfare of foreign nationals.
He further assured foreigners living in Kenya that they would be protected throughout the process and cautioned against any form of harassment.
“We strongly guarantee the safety of all foreign nationals; no harassment will be tolerated,” he said.
The task team will also help improve cooperation between Kenyan officials, Burundi and international bodies involved in migration and humanitarian matters.
UNHCR and IOM are part of the process and are expected to contribute their experience as individual cases are handled and voluntary returns are considered.
Sing’oei said Kenya would not force Burundian nationals to leave the country, insisting that any return must be based on a person’s informed and voluntary decision.
“Any return exercises will be strictly voluntary, informed, and transparently recorded under our joint coordination,” he said.
The government’s latest move comes as it prepares to enforce laws governing foreign nationals, including those engaged in business without the required approvals.
Foreign nationals running businesses in Kenya have been given the 90-day period to regularise their immigration documents, work permits, business registration and licences.
The exercise also comes against the backdrop of President William Ruto’s call for some small-scale businesses to be set aside for Kenyans as the government seeks to protect opportunities in the micro and small-enterprise sector.
Sing’oei said the engagement with Burundi and the international agencies reflected East African cooperation, with all parties seeking to maintain “order, dignity, and safety” for Burundian nationals.
The additional 90 days will also give the Joint Task Team time to respond to new concerns while affected individuals work to meet the requirements set by the Kenyan government.
The government said it would maintain consultations with Burundi, UNHCR and IOM to ensure the exercise remains orderly, transparent and respectful of the rights of foreign nationals.