Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i has sent a stern warning to foreigners in the country who are currently doing business without the required work permits.
Speaking in Nakuru on Wednesday when he officially launched the East Africa Community international e-passport office, Matiang'i said that the foreigners risk being deported back to their respective countries.
The CS said that any foreigner who jetted in the country using a tourist VISA but is engaging in trade should start packing their belongings and leave the country before being deported.
Matiang'i said Kenya has no room for illegal businesses, adding that the work permits should be obtained before any foreigner travels in the country from their home countries.
He called on security officers and members of the public to work closely in making sure there are no illegal immigrants in the country.
“There is no room for illegal trade in Kenya. As a country, we no longer issue trade permits and the security team here will work to ensure that we wipe out the illegal immigrants who are operating businesses without a permit,” said Matiang’i.
The tough-talking CS cited the six Chinese traders who were found trading at Nairobi's Gikomba market, saying that the government will deport them by Thursday.
His sentiments were echoed by Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui who noted that foreigners have been bringing unfair competition in Kenyan markets due to reduced costs and cheap manpower.
“The foreigners have been bringing unfair competition in Kenyan markets due to reduced costs and cheap manpower that can as well be serviced by local Kenyans,” said Kinyanjui.
Governor Lee urged the government to also restrict the licensed foreign companies from hiring foreign casuals and other personnel who can be sourced in the country.
The newly launched East Africa Community International e-passport office is set to ease services to the people of Nakuru and the neighbouring counties who had to travel to Nairobi to seek the services.