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Burundian nationals at their embassy at Dennis Pritt road on September 8, 2026. [David Gichuru, Standard]
In estates and street corners across Nairobi, a quieter, less-discussed consequence of President William Ruto's directive on undocumented foreign traders is playing out in daily disruptions for Kenyans who have suddenly lost access to service providers they had relied on for years.
Stacey Koga, a Nairobi resident, is one of them. Her family had depended on a Burundian boda boda rider since 2024 not just for the odd trip, but as a fixture of their daily routine. "He was a boda boda rider, our family has relied on him since 2024. He runs errands for us and does drop-offs and pick-ups. Take my niece to school too," Koga said.
His sudden absence has forced real disruptions into her routine. "His absence has affected me because I relied on him to pick me up in the morning and drop me off at the bus stop, but I was late yesterday because he's no longer available. Also, my sister had to find an alternative for getting my niece to school, which was abrupt and unplanned, therefore more money," Koga said.
