A Kenyan man has warned a Burundian kahawa hawker about a reported crackdown targeting foreign traders expected to take place on Monday.
The man, who appeared to be concerned about the trader’s situation, approached him and cautioned him against selling kahawa on the day of the reported operation.
The hawker explained that he was new to Kenya and had not heard about the directive. He appeared surprised by the warning and said he was unaware that foreign traders could face action for conducting business.
The Kenyan man then told him that continuing to sell kahawa on Monday could put him at risk of losing his goods and being forced to leave the area.
According to the warning, authorities could confiscate the hawker’s kahawa and other items if he was found operating during the crackdown. The man also cautioned that the trader could be chased away without being paid for any goods already sold or services provided.
The exchange highlighted the uncertainty facing some foreign traders who may not be aware of local directives or enforcement operations.
For the Burundian hawker, who said he had only recently arrived in Kenya, the warning came as a surprise. He appeared to take the advice seriously as the two discussed the reported crackdown.
The incident also underscores the challenges faced by informal traders, many of whom depend on daily sales to support themselves.
It remains unclear who issued the reported directive, its exact scope, or which areas and categories of foreign traders would be affected.
The hawker was therefore left facing a difficult choice: continue with his usual business and risk losing his stock, or stay away from the streets on Monday until the situation becomes clearer.