Activist Backs President’s Foreigners Registration Directive, Calls for End to Victimisation

Eldoret-based human rights activist and Centre for Human Rights and Democracy official Kipkorir Ngetich has backed President William Ruto’s directive requiring all foreigners living in Kenya to have proper documentation and be registered, saying the policy is intended to strengthen national security and protect immigrants.

Ngetich said the President’s directive was made in good faith and should not be interpreted as a declaration of war against foreigners living and working in Kenya.

He said the policy had, however, been misrepresented by what he described as political actors who have allegedly taken advantage of the directive to create fear, anxiety and uncertainty among foreign nationals who have lived peacefully in the country for many years.

According to Ngetich, Kenya has hosted immigrants from different parts of the world for decades, with many having established families, businesses and strong relationships within Kenyan communities.

He said the government has a responsibility to know who is living within the country’s borders, arguing that registration of foreign nationals is a common practice internationally and is primarily aimed at improving security, identification and service delivery.

Ngetich maintained that proper documentation would help the government verify the identity and immigration status of foreigners while enabling security agencies to deal with individuals involved in criminal activities without unfairly targeting law-abiding immigrants.

He called on security agencies to take firm action against individuals allegedly sponsoring or organising attacks against foreigners, warning that such incidents could undermine Kenya’s reputation as a peaceful and welcoming country.

The activist particularly condemned attacks and hostility directed at Congolese nationals, saying such incidents should not be allowed to become a tool for political mobilisation or to damage Kenya’s international standing.

Ngetich said Kenya’s membership in the United Nations and its role as a host to several international organisations demonstrated the country’s commitment to international law and the protection of human rights.

He stressed that foreigners living legally in Kenya are protected under both domestic and international legal frameworks and should not be subjected to discrimination, harassment or violence because of their nationality.

He further explained that a transparent and properly implemented registration system could benefit both the government and foreign nationals.

According to him, accurate records would enable the government to know the number of foreigners living in the country, their immigration status and their contribution to the economy, while also helping authorities in planning and allocating public resources.

Ngetich said proper registration could also help foreigners access essential services and exercise their lawful rights, including opening bank accounts, renting property, enrolling children in schools, accessing healthcare and securing legitimate employment.

He added that regularisation of immigration status could provide a clearer pathway for eligible foreigners seeking work permits, long-term residency or citizenship in accordance with Kenyan law.

The activist also argued that accurate population data was important for government planning, particularly in areas such as healthcare, emergency services, infrastructure and other public services.

He urged the government to ensure that the registration exercise is conducted fairly, transparently and without discrimination, saying enforcement should focus on compliance with the law rather than victimising particular nationalities or communities.

Ngetich also appealed to foreign nationals living in Kenya to remain calm and cooperate with the government by ensuring they have the required documentation.

He said there was no need for law-abiding immigrants to panic, arguing that the President’s directive should be viewed as part of efforts to improve immigration management and national security.

At the same time, he urged Kenyans to reject hate speech, discrimination and violence against foreigners, noting that many immigrants have lived alongside Kenyan communities as neighbours, employees, employers, traders and business partners for years.

He cautioned political leaders and groups against exploiting the issue for political purposes, saying attempts to incite Kenyans against immigrants could create unnecessary tension and threaten peaceful coexistence.

Ngetich said the economic contribution of immigrants should also be recognised, particularly those engaged in legitimate businesses, employment and investment.

He maintained that proper documentation would enable the government to better understand the contribution of foreign nationals to the economy while ensuring that those living and working in Kenya comply with immigration laws.

The human rights activist called for a balanced approach in implementing the President’s directive, saying national security and immigration enforcement must go hand in hand with respect for human rights.

He urged the government to remain vigilant against individuals who may seek to exploit the registration debate to provoke violence, while calling on Kenyans to uphold the spirit of brotherhood and humanity.

Ngetich said Kenya’s long-standing reputation as a safe destination for immigrants should be protected, adding that peaceful coexistence between Kenyans and foreign nationals remains important for the country’s social and economic development.