A poignant scene has unfolded in Nairobi, where a Burundian man selling coffee and mandazi made a heartfelt plea to Kenyans and President William Ruto.
The vendor, who has been making a living from his small business in the city, shared his struggles following a directive that mandates foreign nationals involved in specific small businesses to leave the country.
In a widely shared video, he is seen asking customers to assist him in gathering enough money for transportation to return to Burundi, expressing his worry about meeting the Monday deadline for departure. “Buy a cap so I can get fare to go home; didn’t you say we have to leave by Monday?” he urged potential buyers.
The man later explained that purchasing from him would help him save money for his return journey. When asked about his plans upon going back, he mentioned he would seek ways to earn a living and support his family. He advocated for his small business, stating that it plays a role in the local economy.
According to him, he sources his products from a Kenyan supplier and sells them to Kenyan customers, pays rent to a Kenyan landlord, and contributes to the economy through taxes. He also revealed that he is married to a Kenyan woman and has children, adding to his family’s challenges.
The vendor described the hardships of being a small-scale trader, noting that limited capital forces him to carry heavy loads and walk long distances to earn a living. He pointed out that many young people might not want to engage in such tough jobs, which leaves foreigners like him reliant on them for survival.
In a touching moment when addressing President Ruto, the man removed his cap, stating, “We are human beings hustling to feed our families, not stealing.”
His emotional appeal has garnered attention online, with many Kenyans expressing sympathy for him and other foreign traders in similar situations. Some social media users urged the government to grant affected traders more time to prepare for their exit, while others suggested that those already contributing to the economy should be considered for proper licensing and regulation.
The video has ignited a broader discussion about the role of foreign traders in Kenya, the need for immigration and business regulation enforcement, and the importance of treating affected families with compassion.