Government renewed its pledge to fight against human trafficking as government officials called for urgent, coordinated efforts to protect children and other vulnerable citizens from exploitation. During a national event to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Nakuru on July 30, Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo called human trafficking a serious national threat. She warned that trafficking, especially of children, undermines both human dignity and the country’s development.
“Kenya stands in full solidarity with the world in marking this day,” CS Cheptumo said. “We must protect our children from abuse. Child trafficking is a deep violation of rights and we all have a role to stop it.”
CS Cheptumo outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen legal protections, increase awareness, and provide support to survivors. She also called on citizens, civil society, and security agencies to work together, stressing that prevention must begin at the community level.“Stopping trafficking requires more than laws it needs citizens who are alert, informed, and ready to act,” CS Cheptumo said. “Kenya is committed to protecting its people and holding traffickers to account.”
Principal Secretary for Children Services Carren Ageng’o backed the call for public vigilance, describing trafficking as a crime built on false promises and desperation. “Traffickers thrive by deceiving victims into thinking they are being offered opportunities abroad, only to trap them in modern slavery,” Ageng’o said.
Principal Secretary for Children Services Carren Ageng’o urged Kenyans seeking work outside the country to verify offers through the National Employment Authority (NEA), ensure formal contracts are signed, and obtain proper visas before travel. These steps, she said, are critical in avoiding exploitation by fraudulent recruiters.
According to a 2022 report by the National Crime Research Centre, children make up 44.4% of victims in domestic trafficking incidents. Adults are the primary targets in cross-border cases. Victims are often forced into labor, sexual abuse, and, increasingly, online scams controlled by foreign crime syndicates.
Despite the complex nature of these crimes, Kenya has taken notable steps to combat trafficking. Recent actions include:
- Rescuing 153 Kenyan victims trafficked to Myanmar and forced into digital fraud rings.
- Training over 700 officers, justice officials, and airport staff to detect and respond to trafficking cases.
- Supporting 35 survivors through the National Assistance Trust Fund, helping them start small businesses.
- Establishing a state-run shelter for rescued victims to recover and reintegrate safely.
Participants at the Nakuru event shared recommendations on improving detection and reporting of trafficking cases. Officials urged the public to report any suspicious activity to the Counter Trafficking in Persons Secretariat or the National Crime Research Centre.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is held each year on July 30. The observance honors victims and survivors, pushes for accountability from traffickers, and calls for global action to end what experts have described as modern-day slavery.
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