International
Kenya Gives Foreign Traders 90 Days to Formalise Status Amid Xenophobia Fears
The Kenyan government has given foreign nationals operating businesses in the country 90 days to regularise their immigration status, work permits, business registrations and licences, following remarks by President William Ruto that triggered panic in immigrant communities and fears of xenophobic violence.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed announced the “orderly regularisation exercise” on Tuesday, saying relevant government agencies would work with foreign embassies to facilitate compliance. “Every person conducting business in Kenya is required to comply with applicable immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements,” Mohamed said. Requirements will be administered “fairly, consistently and without discrimination” during the period. After the 90 days, the rules will be enforced “firmly and strictly in accordance with the law and due process.”
The move comes after Ruto’s comments last week that foreigners should not operate as hawkers or run small shops, which were widely seen as responding to complaints from Kenyan traders about competition in the informal sector. The remarks sparked anxiety, particularly among Burundian nationals who dominate street vending in parts of Nairobi. Hundreds queued at the Burundi embassy seeking travel documents amid concerns of a crackdown and possible attacks similar to recent xenophobic violence in South Africa. There were reports of at least one shop attack and instances of harassment or intimidation.
Mohamed explicitly warned that no individual or group has authority to harass, intimidate, threaten or interfere with foreign nationals or their businesses, stressing that enforcement is the sole responsibility of authorised state agencies. “Legitimate concerns about economic opportunity can never justify discrimination, excuse lawlessness or sanction violence,” the statement said. Kenya would remain “an open, secure and welcoming country” while protecting opportunities for its citizens, especially in the micro and small-enterprise sector.
Citizens of East African Community countries are eligible for free work permits, though many have not completed formal registration. The government has also directed that the Local Content Bill currently before Parliament be expanded to create a clearer framework identifying activities that may be reserved for Kenyans while protecting the rights of foreigners lawfully entitled to work, invest or trade.
The 90-day window is intended to allow an orderly process rather than immediate closures, offering temporary relief to affected communities while signalling stricter future enforcement.
International
Japan beer giants raided over alleged price-fixing cartel
Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo all saw their share price fall after news of the investigation broke on Wednesday. Suntory’s beer business is not publicly-listed.
Image credit: BBC| GETTY Images
Japanese officials have raided the country’s biggest beer makers over allegations they worked together to raise the price of their beverages.
Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin and Suntory Spirits confirmed to the BBC that their premises had been searched by the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), adding that they would fully cooperate with the regulator.
The four firms dominate Japan’s beer market, with their drinks a common sight in supermarkets and convenience stores across the country.
Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo all saw their share price fall after news of the investigation broke on Wednesday. Suntory’s beer business is not publicly-listed.
“I do not deny that an investigation is being conducted today, but I’d like to refrain from commenting on the details as a preliminary review is underway,” JFTC Secretary General Iwanari Hiroo said, according to local media.
International
Belgian Students Protest Over Rising Education Costs
Tuition fees for most students in Belgium’s French-speaking Community, was increased from €835 to €1,194.
Hundreds of students in the Belgian city of Liège took to the streets protesting rising education costs, according to Belga news agency.
Tuition fees for most students in Belgium’s French-speaking Community, was increased from €835 to €1,194.
Local media reported that 107 people had been arrested in recent days, for offences linked to property damage and arson.
The protesters are challenging conditions in Belgium’s French-language education system, citing rising costs, overcrowded classrooms and difficulties accessing study materials.
Students carried placards expressing their frustration, including messages calling for education to be treated as a right rather than a privilege.
International
Ethiopian woman says she hasn’t eaten or drunk water since age 10
Despite claiming not to eat, Ambaw said she enjoys preparing meals for her family and visitors.
•Muluwork Ambaw
An Ethiopian woman, Muluwork Ambaw, has claimed that she has not eaten food or drunk water since she was 10 years old, saying she suddenly lost her appetite as a child.
Ambaw, who is now 26 and lives in Jimma, Ethiopia, said her last meal was lentil stew before she stopped eating and drinking.
Her extraordinary claim gained international attention after travel content creator Drew Binsky visited her in Ethiopia and documented her story and daily life.
According to Ambaw, the change began when her family would ask her to have breakfast before going to school.
Her extraordinary claim gained international attention after travel content creator Drew Binsky visited her in Ethiopia and documented her story and daily life.
According to Ambaw, the change began when her family would ask her to have breakfast before going to school.
“I used to live with my family, and they asked me to eat breakfast and go to school. I said I had eaten, but I was pretending,” she said, according to an account shared by Binsky.
Ambaw said she simply stopped feeling hungry or thirsty and has continued living without consuming food or water.
Despite claiming not to eat, Ambaw said she enjoys preparing meals for her family and visitors.
She reportedly grows vegetables in her garden so she can cook fresh food when her sister or guests visit.
“I cook as much as I want, but I have no appetite,” she said.
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