Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has stated that the country will not impose restrictions on citizens of African countries who seek to live and work in Kenya legally. He emphasized that Kenya would continue supporting the movement of people across borders, particularly within the East African Community, provided they comply with applicable laws and regulations. This statement was made during a thanksgiving ceremony at Amanang Secondary School in Bukwo District, Uganda.
Murkomen's remarks come amid renewed attention on the status of foreign nationals living and working in Kenya after the government announced measures targeting undocumented foreign traders. The government has maintained that the measures are intended to enforce immigration, work permit, registration and licensing requirements rather than impose a blanket ban on foreign nationals. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently said Kenya remained open to foreign nationals who comply with the law.
Murkomen said the same principle of legal movement and employment should apply to Kenyans seeking opportunities in neighbouring countries. He cited the example of Kenyans who can work in Uganda when they get an opportunity, just as Ugandans can work in Kenya when they get an opportunity. This reflects the country's commitment to regional integration and free movement, operating alongside compliance with national immigration and licensing requirements.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary also assured Kenyans living in Uganda that the government was committed to making it easier for them to access essential identification and consular services. He mentioned that Kenyans can now apply for their passports and IDs at the Kenyan embassy in Kampala, just like other Kenyans in Washington, London, and across the world.
Murkomen further addressed concerns affecting Kenyans living in border communities, saying they would not face discrimination when seeking national identification documents. He said the government had removed rigorous extra-vetting requirements that had previously affected residents in some border areas. This move aims to ensure that citizens living and working across borders have proper identification and legal status.
The security collaboration between Kenya and Uganda was also highlighted by Murkomen, who said joint efforts by security agencies had contributed to improved stability along the border. He mentioned that cooperation between the two countries had particularly helped address insecurity in parts of the Kerio Valley that had previously experienced banditry. This cooperation is part of wider efforts to address cross-border crime, cattle rustling and banditry.
Murkomen's remarks underscored the importance of regional cooperation as citizens of East African countries seek employment, trade and other economic opportunities across borders. The government has continued to emphasise that regional integration and free movement should operate alongside compliance with national immigration and licensing requirements. For Kenyans living in Uganda, Murkomen said the government would continue working to ensure they can access essential services and documentation without unnecessary barriers.
Key points
- Kenya will not impose restrictions on African nationals who seek to live and work in the country legally.
- The government aims to enforce immigration, work permit, registration and licensing requirements for foreign nationals.
- Kenya and Uganda are deepening cooperation on movement, security and economic opportunities.
