The State Department of Diaspora Affairs has raised alarms about the persistent issue of labour trafficking in Kenya, as an increasing number of citizens become victims of exploitative networks.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu explains that many Kenyans, in search of better economic opportunities abroad, are drawn in by promises of well-paying jobs, only to find themselves trapped in abusive working conditions or trafficked into forced labour, particularly in East Asia.
“A lot of Kenyans are lured into scam compounds under the guise of labour mobility or employment. Despite our efforts and advisories stating that there are no job opportunities available in Thailand, Kenyans continue to be deceived into believing they are going to work in Thailand, only to end up in these compounds in Myanmar,” PS Njogu stated when she received 78 Kenyans who were recently rescued from Myanmar.
“Under the guise of labour mobility, we have witnessed a rise in human trafficking, with many Kenyans being promised or lured into non-existent job opportunities. They end up in scam compounds, commercial sex work, or other forms of forced labour or slavery,” she explained.
The Principal Secretary confirmed that over the last month alone, the Kenyan government has successfully repatriated 175 citizens who were trafficked to the scam compounds in Myanmar for forced criminal activities.
She noted that these dangerous and illegal activities are orchestrated by a network of unscrupulous agencies that offer false promises of lucrative jobs, ultimately trafficking unsuspecting Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad.
According to Ms Njogu, Kenyan authorities are actively tracking these traffickers, and they will ultimately be brought to justice.
“As a government, we continue to pursue human traffickers. We have ongoing investigations, and we are cracking down on these criminals. We are coming for you, we will find you; there is nowhere to hide,” she asserted.
The PS also highlighted measures taken by the Kenyan government to prevent citizens from falling victim to labour trafficking syndicates.
“At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), we now conduct pre-departure checks to ensure that individuals travelling under the guise of labour mobility are actually holding work visas and are travelling for work,” she said.
However, she warned Kenyans eager to work abroad to remain vigilant against rogue agencies and agents, emphasising the importance of verifying the legitimacy of recruitment agencies. Failing to do so leaves individuals vulnerable to exploitation, she charged.
Njogu urged Kenyans to consult with her department and the National Employment Authority to get information on credible and licensed agents. The PS expressed concern that the Ministry has noted a high number of Kenyans resorting to unlicensed travel agents and tour companies in their attempts to find jobs abroad.
“If you come across a job opportunity online, please check with us at the State Department of Diaspora Affairs, and we will inform you whether that job exists, so you don’t become a victim of human trafficking,” Ms Njogu advised.
“Ensure that you travel with the right documentation. Many survivors will tell you that they left the country on visitor or tourist visas, rather than work visas,” the PS added.
Some destination countries, according to the PS, have a high demand for domestic workers and low-wage labourers. This demand fuels trafficking networks that supply workers under exploitative conditions.
