Nairobi : Burundians caught between tensions and signs of easing

SOS Médias Burundi

Nairobi, September 14, 2026—Tensions remain high among Burundian nationals in Nairobi, where several were dispersed with tear gas on Monday in front of their embassy as they were seeking travel documents to return to Burundi. At the same time, some have resumed their activities, particularly in the restaurant and street vending sectors, a sign of a possible easing of tensions after several days of anxiety.

Tensions outside the embassy

Since September 7, numerous Burundian nationals have been going to the Burundian embassy in Nairobi to obtain travel documents and consider returning home.

Hundreds of people have gathered in front of the diplomatic mission with their suitcases and other personal belongings, amid concerns raised by the new measures announced by Kenyan authorities.

“Some Burundians living in neighborhoods with very zealous youths say that homeowners have locked their houses and refused them entry,” a Burundian who has lived in Nairobi for several years told SOS Médias Burundi.

On Monday, tensions rose in front of the embassy. Several Burundians were dispersed with tear gas while waiting for travel documents, according to witnesses.

“Young people refused to leave after seeing embassy staff arrive at their premises. The police were then forced to intervene to disperse them,” a witness told SOS Médias Burundi.

According to witnesses, the embassy had announced that it would not issue any documents on Monday, citing staff fatigue after several days of high demand.

No official figures regarding potential injuries or arrests during this operation were available Monday afternoon.

Activities resume

Despite the tensions, signs of calm were already visible in several Nairobi neighborhoods.

As early as last week, some Burundians had resumed their activities, including women who run small restaurants and others who sell Burundian kebabs, a popular dish in the Kenyan capital, according to witnesses.

On Monday afternoon, another Burundian living in the Kenyan capital confirmed to our newsroom that young Burundian street vendors had started working again on the streets of Nairobi.

“I saw young Burundians resuming their street vending of coffee, thermoses in hand. The authorities have given clear assurances about the measures taken to protect Burundians and prevent any attacks against them,” a Rwandan man living with Burundians in Nairobi told SOS Médias Burundi.

The source of concern

The situation arises following statements by Kenyan President William Ruto regarding business activities carried out by foreigners.

In early September, the head of state announced measures specifically targeting foreigners engaged in small-scale trade and street vending. This announcement sparked considerable concern among several foreign communities, particularly Burundians, many of whom run small businesses in Nairobi.

Faced with the confusion, the Kenyan government subsequently granted a 90-day grace period to the foreigners concerned to regularize their status, including their work permits, immigration documents, licenses, and business registrations. Nairobi also called for an end to any threats or forms of harassment against foreigners.

Kenyan officials have also issued numerous messages aimed at reassuring the foreign communities. An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs even visited Burundians gathered in front of their embassy to explain the government’s measures.

Should they return to or stay in Kenya?

For many Burundians, the choice remains difficult : return home or stay in Kenya and try to regularize their status.

The rush to the embassy since last week testifies to the extent of the concerns. Some came to obtain documents allowing them to return to Burundi, while others hope to be able to continue working in Kenya after regularizing their status.

The reopening of small restaurants, the sale of kebabs, and street vending is, however, a sign of calm. But the incidents this Monday in front of the embassy show that anxiety remains within a segment of the Burundian community in Nairobi.