Why Kenyan traders are pushing back against foreign retailers

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Burundian nationals in Kenya at their embassy of the republic of Burundi chancery at dennis pritt road on September 8, 2026 [David Gichuru, Standard]

Kenyan traders have raised concerns over the growing presence of foreign-owned businesses in the country’s small-scale retail sector, arguing that some foreign operators are competing directly with local traders in businesses that can be run by Kenyans.

The traders, who recently petitioned President William Ruto over a raft of concerns affecting small businesses, say their objection is not to foreign investment but to foreign nationals entering low-capital retail activities and competing with local traders.

Andrew Oswago, a trader on Nairobi’s Luthuli Avenue and a leader in the MSME Alliance of Kenya, said local traders face challenges accessing affordable financing and competing with foreign businesses that they claim enjoy advantages in their home countries.