04/09/2026
*MEDIA INVITATION*
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
*INVITATION TO A PRESS CONFERENCE*
The Coalition for Human Rights, Constitutionalism, and Refugee Protection cordially invites members of the media fraternity to a press conference to address matters concerning constitutionalism, refugee protection, foreign small-scale traders, regional integration, and the Kenya Shirika Plan.
*📍 Venue: NEDP Kibra Branch Office*
*🕒 Time: Exactly 3:00 PM*
*📅 Date: 4 September 2026*
The press conference will provide an opportunity for the Coalition to present its position, key legal concerns, demands, and recommendations regarding the reported directive targeting foreign small-scale traders.
Your presence and coverage will be highly appreciated.
Issued by:
*Hon. David Kose Oyombe*
President & Founder
Livingstone Kosei Foundation*
*Coalition for Human Rights Defenders Constitutionalism, and Refugee Protection*
Email📧: [email protected]
Cellphone: 0720290179/0732493532
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
*DATE: 4 September 2026*
*ISSUED BY:*
Hon. David Kose Oyombe,
Coalition for Human Rights, Constitutionalism, and Refugees Protection
*SUBJECT:*
*CONDEMNATION OF THE DIRECTIVE TARGETING FOREIGN SMALL-SCALE TRADERS AND REFUGEE ECONOMIC INTEGRATION*
*NAIROBI, KENYA*
The Coalition for Human Rights, Constitutionalism, and Refugee Protection strongly condemns the reported directive to commence a nationwide crackdown and shutdown of small-scale businesses, retail shops and hawking activities operated by foreign nationals from Monday, 7 September 2026.
While the Government has a legitimate mandate to regulate immigration, business licensing, taxation and public order, enforcement must remain consistent with the Constitution, national legislation, regional treaties and international human-rights obligations.
*OUR KEY CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL CONCERNS*
1. *CONSTITUTIONALISM & RULE OF LAW*
Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, requires State action to uphold the rule of law, human dignity, equality, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, transparency and accountability.
2. *BILL OF RIGHTS & EQUALITY*
The Bill of Rights applies to all persons in Kenya. Any enforcement operation must therefore be lawful, proportionate, non-discriminatory and procedurally fair, regardless of nationality.
3. *REFUGEES ACT, 2021*
The Refugees Act provides a legal framework for refugee protection, dignity and socio-economic participation. Recognised refugees should not be subjected to blanket economic exclusion where they are lawfully engaged in employment, enterprise or trade.
4. *THE SHIRIKA PLAN*
The Kenya Shirika Plan represents Kenya's commitment to transitioning refugee management from dependency towards self-reliance, socio-economic integration, sustainable economic development and stronger host-community participation. A blanket closure of small enterprises risks undermining these objectives.
5. *EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY INTEGRATION*
Kenya's obligations under the EAC framework require respect for regional integration, including applicable rights relating to the movement of persons, goods, services, labour and capital. Enforcement affecting EAC citizens must be consistent with applicable regional obligations.
6. *TARGETED ENFORCEMENT, NOT COLLECTIVE PUNISHMENT*
The State should distinguish between illegal immigration, undocumented persons, unlicensed businesses and lawful foreign traders or refugees. Individual violations should not become grounds for collective punishment of entire communities.
*OUR DEMANDS*
We call upon the Government to:
1. Immediately review and suspend any blanket shutdown directive pending legal and stakeholder consultation.
2. Publicly disclose the legal basis for the proposed nationwide enforcement operation.
3. Guarantee due process and fair administrative action to affected traders and businesses.
4. Protect lawful refugee economic participation under the Refugees Act, 2021.
5. Safeguard the objectives of the Kenya Shirika Plan on refugee self-reliance and socio-economic integration.
6. Respect Kenya's EAC regional obligations, particularly where affected persons are citizens of EAC Partner States.
7. Engage refugees, host communities, traders, civil society, county governments and relevant regional and international partners before implementing measures with widespread socio-economic consequences.
*OUR POSITION*
We support lawful regulation. We oppose arbitrary enforcement.
Kenya can protect its economy, regulate foreign businesses and address unlawful activities without undermining constitutional rights, refugee protection, regional integration and human dignity.
PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION.
UPHOLD THE REFUGEES ACT, 2021.
SAFEGUARD THE SHIRIKA PLAN.
RESPECT EAC INTEGRATION.
DEFEND HUMAN DIGNITY AND THE RULE OF LAW.
For media inquiries and further engagement:
Contact: *Hon. David Kose Oyombe*— Coalition for Human Rights, Constitutionalism, and Refugee Protection.
Email📧: [email protected]
Cellphone: 0720290179/0732493532
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