Hundreds of Burundian nationals living in Kenya flocked to the Burundian Embassy in Nairobi on Monday, September 7, seeking passports, travel documents and other consular services amid growing uncertainty over their status and businesses in the country.

Long queues were witnessed around the embassy offices on Denis Pritt Road in Kilimani, with some applicants also filling nearby cyber cafés as they prepared documents required for processing. Some carried national identity cards, passports, residence documents and other permits.

The embassy has begun processing Laisser-Passer travel documents for Burundian nationals wishing to travel back home. The documents provide an alternative for citizens who may not have valid passports or require temporary travel documentation. Burundi’s Foreign Affairs Ministry lists identification, proof of residence and passport photographs among the requirements for a Laisser-Passer.

The rush follows debate triggered by President William Ruto’s September 2 remarks concerning foreigners involved in hawking and some forms of small-scale trading. The President said the government wanted to protect Kenyan traders while proposed legislation seeks to regulate activities that foreigners may undertake.

However, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has since clarified that Kenya has not imposed a blanket ban on foreign traders. He said foreigners, including Burundian and other East African nationals, remain free to live and conduct business in Kenya provided they have the required permits, licences and legal documentation.

An embassy official also described the issuance of travel documents as a routine consular service, though some Burundians at the embassy said they were preparing documentation in case they needed to return home.