Also known as: MITI
Kenyan government ministry overseeing trade, industry and investments, including standards enforcement, foreign trader regulations, and fuel supply management.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
The Standard
… He directed the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry to enforce restrictions against foreigners operating businesses reserved for Kenyans. …
Foreign trader crackdown: Lobby warns of arrests, extortion and harassmentThe Standard
… Ruto directed the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry to begin enforcement against foreigners engaged in businesses considered inappropriate for non-citizens, even as a Bill restricting foreign nationals from certain trading activities remains before Parliament. …
East Africa Law Society warns Kenya against harassment of Burundian tradersCapital News
… The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has separately stressed that Kenya remains open to legitimate foreign investment and business, but foreigners engaging in employment or commercial activities must meet immigration and licensing requirements. …
Sing’oei apologises to Burundians, assures protection amid trader crackdownCapital News
… The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) has maintained that visa-free entry into Kenya does not automatically grant foreigners the right to work, trade or operate businesses. …
Makau Mutua: Enforcing foreign-trader rules not xenophobic, but ‘responsible governance’Capital News
… The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) has said visa-free entry into Kenya does not automatically give a foreign national the right to work, trade or operate a business. …
Sing’oei says Ruto’s remarks on foreign traders were ‘taken out of context’Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya Sep 7 – The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) has clarified requirements for foreigners seeking to work, trade or operate businesses in Kenya, stressing that visa-free entry does not automatically grant permission to engage in employment or commerc …
Kenya Warns Foreigners: Visa-Free Entry Does Not Allow You to Work or TradeThe Standard
… In a statement sent to newsrooms on Friday, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry called it a significant development for Kenya.“This is a significant development for Kenya and provides much-needed certainty for exporters, manufacturers and investors who rely on prefere …
Kenya welcomes Agoa extension to December 2028The Standard
… he outcome and taste may be different An intriguing court case now lifts the lid of your pot to reveal that your rice, allegedly, is not the authentic Kenya pishori rice.In its case, the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) has sued the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry …
Case lifts lid on fake rice being sold as Kenyan pishoriCitizen Digital
… The event is being held under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum through the State Department for Energy, and the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry through the State Department for Trade, underscoring the government's support for expanding investment …
27 Countries Converge on Nairobi for Solarexpo, Power & Energy 2026Citizen Digital
… It is being held under the patronage of the State Department for Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry through the State Department for Trade, underscoring government commitment to supporting industrial growth, investment and infrastruc …
Over 300 exhibitors from 45 countries set for buildexpo Kenya 2026 in NairobiThe Police Reforms Working Group Kenya has condemned President William Ruto's directive to close small businesses run by foreign nationals, saying it lacks statutory guidelines and has triggered reports of intimidation, extortion, and unlawful harassment of foreign nationals, including citizens of East African Community states.
10 September 2026 · The Standard →
The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya has condemned President William Ruto's directive to close small businesses run by foreign nationals, saying it lacks statutory guidelines and has triggered reports of intimidation, extortion, and unlawful harassment of foreign nationals, including citizens of East African Community states.
10 September 2026 · The Standard →
The East Africa Law Society has urged Kenya to cease harassment and detention of Burundian nationals and other EAC citizens following a directive by President William Ruto prohibiting foreign nationals from small-scale trading and hawking. The enforcement, which began on September 7, has prompted mass departures of Burundian traders and concerns among regional legal bodies over potential violations.
8 September 2026 · The Standard →
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei apologised to Burundian nationals over harassment resulting from confusion surrounding Kenya's crackdown on unlicensed foreign traders, and promised increased security in neighbourhoods with significant immigrant populations as foreign nationals regularise their documentation.
7 September 2026 · Capital News →
President Ruto's constitutional affairs adviser Makau Mutua has said that enforcing laws governing foreign nationals working and doing business in Kenya is legitimate state authority and responsible governance, not xenophobia. This follows Ruto's warning that foreigners could be barred from certain business categories, which has prompted government clarification that enforcement targets non-compliance rather than nationality.
7 September 2026 · Capital News →
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei said President Ruto's remarks on foreign traders were taken out of context and responded to the ongoing Local Content Bill debate before Parliament. He assured foreign nationals with proper documentation that they remain legally protected to operate in Kenya.
7 September 2026 · Capital News →
Kenya's Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has clarified that visa-free entry, introduced in January 2024 and expanded in January 2025 to remove eTA requirements for most African citizens, does not automatically grant foreigners permission to work, trade or operate businesses; the Ministry stressed that foreigners must comply with immigration, work permit and regulatory requirements.
7 September 2026 · Capital News →
President Trump signed legislation extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act through December 31, 2028. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary said the extension provides certainty for exporters and manufacturers and noted the textile and apparel sector supports more than 66,000 direct jobs.
4 September 2026 · The Standard →
Consumer Federation of Kenya has sued the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, KEBS, and the Attorney General for failing to prevent adulteration and mislabeling of rice sold as authentic Kenya pishori. Manufacturers report that traders are blending domestic pishori with imported rice and selling it under Kenyan brands, damaging the local rice industry.
18 August 2026 · The Standard →
Nairobi will host the 11th Solarexpo Kenya and 13th Power & Energy Kenya exhibitions from July 29–31, 2026, bringing together global manufacturers, suppliers, investors and industry professionals for collaboration in renewable energy and power generation.
27 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The 27th edition of Buildexpo Kenya 2026 will be held at the Carnivore Exhibition Grounds in Nairobi, bringing together more than 300 exhibitors from 45 countries to showcase cutting-edge technologies and strengthen regional trade and investment in the building and construction industry.
5 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
More than 300 exhibitors from 45 countries will attend the 27th edition of Buildexpo Kenya 2026 in Nairobi from July 8 to 10 at the Carnivore Exhibition Grounds, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and regional trade opportunities for the construction industry.
5 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to affordable menstrual health products by supporting local manufacturing, maintaining tax incentives on sanitary products, and strengthening partnerships. The commitments were highlighted during the adoption of the Kenya Menstrual Economy Conference (KMEC) 2026 Declaration at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development in Nairobi, where stakeholders from government, development partners, manufacturers and civil society endorsed a roadmap to transform the country's menstrual economy.
1 July 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya joined the global community in observing World Accreditation Day 2026, with the theme "Innovation, Trust and Sustainability: The Power of Accreditation." Officials highlighted accreditation's critical role in ensuring confidence in laboratory results, testing, calibration, and conformity assessment services, and as a strategic pillar for Kenya's economic development.
10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
A petitioner has filed a constitutional case at Kenya's High Court seeking to suspend EPRA's latest fuel price adjustments for May 15–June 14, 2026, arguing the decision lacked public participation, transparency, and accountability, and violates fair administrative action standards.
17 May 2026 · Capital News →
Francis Awino has filed a petition in the High Court seeking to suspend fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), arguing the move is unconstitutional, economically punitive, and lacks transparency.
17 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →
A consumer rights activist has filed a constitutional petition challenging fuel price increases for May 15 to June 14, 2026, in which Super Petrol rose by Sh16.65 per litre and Diesel by Sh46.29 per litre, arguing the hikes are unconstitutional and economically harmful. The petition names EPRA, the National Treasury, the Attorney General and KEBS as respondents, and also contests the 8 per cent VAT on petroleum products and a temporary adjustment of fuel standards.
17 May 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya's government has temporarily adjusted fuel standards to ensure steady supply amid global disruptions, particularly from Middle East conflicts affecting oil shipments. The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry approved a temporary waiver of the sulphur parameter to a maximum of 50mg/kg for automotive gasoil and premium motor spirit, following consultation with standards bodies.
30 April 2026 · Capital News →