The Network Against Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants NAHUSOM, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) sounded the alarm over the rising cases of human trafficking for forced criminality in Kenya and abroad.NAHUSOM demanded immediate government intervention to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Growing Crisis in Myanmar and Beyond
The CSOs expressed deep concern over recent reports confirming that Kenyans are being trafficked to Myanmar and forced into cybercrime under brutal conditions. According to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, victims are coerced into committing online fraud, identity theft, and cryptocurrency scams in areas controlled by armed rebel groups, making rescue operations extremely difficult.
“This is no longer just about forced labor or sexual exploitation—traffickers are now forcing victims into illegal activities ,” said Mutuku Muli,the Chief Executive Officer Counter Human Trafficking East Africa. Furthermore, the groups highlighted the ongoing exploitation and deaths of Kenyan domestic workers in Gulf countries, calling it a national security and human rights crisis.
Government Efforts and Gaps
While commending the government’s efforts to repatriate victims from Myanmar, NAHUSOM emphasized that more must be done. Citing the UN Protocol against Trafficking in Persons, the CSOs stressed Kenya’s obligation to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and prosecute offenders under both international and domestic laws, including the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Four Key Demands
To address the crisis, the coalition called on the Kenyan government to:
- Establish a Special Inquiry Commission to investigate trafficking for forced criminality, including how Kenyans are being lured to Myanmar and other hotspots.
- Strengthen Preventive Measures to stop trafficking before it happens.
- Hold Perpetrators Accountable, including complicit recruitment agencies and criminal networks.
- Enhance Protection for Migrant Workers, ensuring labor rights and better reintegration support for survivors.
NAHUSOM also pledged to nominate anti-trafficking experts to support the commission’s work, offering legal, medical, and psychosocial expertise.
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A Spreading Criminal Network
During the press briefing, representatives warned that the problem is expanding beyond Myanmar. “The same criminal networks are now operating in places like Dubai,” one speaker noted. “The situation is unfolding rapidly, and we may uncover even more cases as investigations deepen.”
A Call for Immediate Action
The CSOs urged swift government action, warning that delays could lead to more victims. “We must act now to safeguard Kenyans from these exploitative schemes,” the statement concluded.
With human trafficking evolving into new and dangerous forms, this united front of CSOs is pushing for a stronger, more coordinated response to protect vulnerable citizens and dismantle trafficking networks once and for all.
