Kenya’s position as a gateway to East Africa has brought both opportunity and risk, with the government now stepping up efforts to curb human trafficking that hides behind labour migration.
Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu says while the country is a key travel and business centre, it should not be labelled a trafficking hub.
She acknowledged, however, that Kenya has faced cases where it is a source, transit and destination point for trafficking victims.
“Kenya, being the entryway into East Africa, into Africa really, noting that we are five hours flight to anywhere on this continent from Nairobi, means that we are a hub,” Njogu said.
"But I wouldn't be willing to say that we are the hub for human trafficking. That would be that would not be correct. That would be inaccurate," she added.
According to PS Njogu, Nairobi’s global links make it attractive for both genuine travellers and criminal networks. She noted that many victims are misled into believing they are travelling for work, only to find themselves trapped in forced labour, sexual exploitation, criminal activity or other abuse.
In recent years, she said, trafficking has increasingly been disguised as labour mobility, with job seekers falling prey to illegal schemes.
The PS further expressed concern that even government-backed programmes such as Kazi Maju have been misused by criminal actors to lure desperate job seekers.
“There have been a lot of people who think they are going abroad for a job, but they end up having been trafficked or having been smuggled,” she said, warning that the impact on victims is severe.
Responding to criticism that the government needs to do more, PS Njogu outlined measures already in place to fight trafficking and protect citizens. Kenya has an anti-human trafficking law, a multi-agency team handling such cases, and a counter trafficking persons committee. There are also clear guidelines on victim support, compensation and repatriation.
She said special teams have been working to bring back Kenyans from countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, Russia and Myanmar. At the same time, the government has rescued thousands of distressed citizens over the past three years. However, she admitted that the challenge remains ongoing.
“As I am bringing people in, others are exiting,” Njogu said, describing the situation as a revolving door. She stressed that while the State has built safety systems, individuals must also take responsibility for their travel choices.
From the labour mobility angle, the PS explained that the government has created what she called guardrails to ensure safe migration. She has consistently urged Kenyans to follow official procedures when seeking jobs abroad.
“If you are going to go abroad for work, use a licensed and regulated recruitment agent,” she said, pointing job seekers to the Ministry of Labour website near ims.geo.ke.
Under the framework, workers are required to use agents licensed by the Ministry of Labour and to undergo pre-departure training. At the airport, a labour desk conducts final checks to confirm documents and clearance before departure.
The government has also introduced a green channel to fast-track passport processing for those travelling for employment.
Beyond departure controls, PS Njogu said Kenya has signed agreements with several countries to safeguard migrant workers and allow quick intervention when problems arise.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs was set up to focus on the welfare of Kenyans abroad, supported by a 24-hour response centre in Nairobi for those in distress.
Diplomatic presence has also been expanded, with more staff deployed to embassies and new consulates opened in cities such as Guangzhou and Jeddah. The government has also strengthened its capacity to repatriate citizens and handle the return of bodies when necessary.
In conclusion, PS Njogu maintained that the safety framework is in place and active, but warned that it only works when citizens use it. She compared the fight against trafficking to a personal choice, saying government systems can only protect those who follow the safe path provided.
