\n<\/p>\n
Yet observers and those affected argue that it did not have to be this way.<\/p>\n
Academic Hesbon Owilla told the BBC the president’s comments were bound to be misinterpreted, especially by people who did not have the right documentation.<\/p>\n
He says that while the proposed policy is good for Kenya and in line with global migration protocols, the communication about it ought to have been more diplomatic.<\/p>\n
For those not in the audience, Owilla says people interpreted the president words as saying: “We are kicking these guys out.”<\/p>\n
The president did not stop at small-scale traders. A day later, he ordered India’s Tata Chemicals to leave the country, saying the company had not provided sufficient benefits to the local Maasai community in Kajiado county.<\/p>\n
Tata has been mining soda ash for years in Lake Magadi, a vast area often covered by a whitish salt crust. The lake’s extreme briny environment sustains algae blooms that attract flamboyances of pink flamingos that thrive in the area.<\/p>\n
Mining operations began at the lake in 1911 under a British colonial arrangement that is said to have remained largely intact, despite long-running land and resource disputes pitting the company and its predecessors against community and the government.<\/p>\n
Economist Odhiambo Ramogi argues that the move to restrict foreign nationals from businesses is too broad – and could do with finessing.<\/p>\n
He points out that Kenya hosts hundreds of thousands of refugees as well as other migrants, mostly from the EAC region, as well as other international investors.<\/p>\n
Ramogi says that Ruto’s intention seemed to go beyond “just protecting jobs for Kenyans”.<\/p>\n
The president’s remarks have prompted a wave of support for foreign nationals, including by civil society groups and ordinary Kenyans who have criticised his approach.<\/p>\n
In the wake of the criticism, Ruto, who is up for re-election next year, has sought to counter the backlash.<\/p>\n
“Kenya will remain an open, secure and welcoming country, protecting opportunities for its citizens, safeguarding the rights of all persons lawfully within its borders,” a statement by his spokesman said.<\/p>\n
“Kenya’s commitment to the East African Community of the African continent remains firm.”<\/p>\n
Ramogi says that in the end, it is Kenya that stands to lose when citizens of neighbouring countries are targeted.<\/p>\n
He points out that Kenya earned $56m (\u00a341m) in exports to Burundi last year, adding that the country would still benefit by allowing competition, as “locking out aliens simply means you don’t want a competitive economy that gets to grow a lot faster”.<\/p>\n
“Now, if you got $56m out of a country, why are you worried about a hawker who’s just trying to make, say, $200 in a month?<\/p>\n
“It absolutely makes no sense what the president has done.”<\/p>\n
For Nairobi resident Lima Kabura, whose husband is Tanzanian, the president’s remarks were just too hasty. She says he should have first established those who were in the country illegally.<\/p>\n
“When they are forced out, I’m left with no work, no business and no husband,” she said.<\/p>\n
Additional reporting by Ahmed Bahajj<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n