Residents in Nairobi's Roysambu neighborhood have expressed growing concerns over the return of suspected illegal immigrants, with reports of foreigners allegedly linked to criminal activities re-emerging in the area.
Local residents claim that individuals from a West African nation, previously evicted from the area nicknamed Lagos, have begun reappearing in significant numbers. Mary Kamau, a hotel owner in the region, stated, "They are already back six months after they were evicted from the estate. We fear that they will return with their criminal ways."
Landlord James Tochi described challenges in managing tenants, noting that foreign occupants often pay rent in advance but occupy properties beyond agreed terms. "It is so hard to send them away because they pay rent in advance, even for a total of seven months. They are good for business but at the same time very stubborn," he said.
The government's recent directive requiring foreigners to re-register led to mass evictions and arrests, sparking public debate. While Kenya's visa policies aim to regulate foreign presence, authorities have linked some West African nationals to counterfeit currency operations, drug trafficking, and fraud.
Residents continue to voice fears about the impact of these individuals on local safety and housing conditions, as enforcement efforts balance immigration control with community concerns.
