The Network Against Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants (NAHUSOM), a coalition of civil society and faith-based organizations, has raised the alarm over the disturbing rise in human trafficking for forced criminality involving Kenyan nationals.
In a joint statement issued Thursday in Nairobi, NAHUSOM—which includes groups such as Counter Human Trafficking East Africa (CHTEA), the Salvation Army, Sema Nami, among others—called on the Government of Kenya to urgently establish a Special Inquiry Commission to investigate the trafficking of citizens, particularly to conflict zones like Myanmar, where victims have reportedly been forced into cybercrime under duress.
The call follows alarming revelations from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. In February, the Ministry confirmed that several Kenyans were among hundreds of foreign nationals lured to Myanmar and held in fraud centres operated by armed rebel groups. According to the Ministry, victims were coerced into online crimes including fraud, phishing, romance scams, identity theft, and cryptocurrency scams—often under inhumane and life-threatening conditions.
NAHUSOM expressed deep concern over this emerging form of exploitation, describing it as a chilling evolution of human trafficking. While the crime has traditionally involved forced labor, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude, traffickers are now forcing victims to commit criminal acts. This trend not only deepens the trauma for survivors but also threatens Kenya’s national security and global cyber safety.
The network also drew attention to the ongoing suffering of Kenyan domestic workers in Gulf countries, where many continue to face abuse, exploitation, and even death.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in rescuing and repatriating some victims from Myanmar, NAHUSOM emphasized the need for stronger and more transparent interventions. The network urged the state to establish a fully mandated commission to uncover the full extent of trafficking for forced criminality, investigate those involved, and ensure accountability for institutions, recruitment agencies, and individuals found complicit.
Additionally, NAHUSOM called for enhanced protections for Kenyan migrant workers and stronger reintegration support systems for trafficking survivors.
Reaffirming its commitment to the fight against human trafficking, NAHUSOM said it will nominate anti-trafficking experts to support the work of the proposed commission and collaborate with the government on efforts to protect victims, prosecute offenders, and strengthen prevention mechanisms.
“We urge immediate action to ensure that no Kenyan becomes a victim of such exploitative and criminal trafficking schemes,” the statement read in part.
The network concluded by calling on the government to act swiftly and decisively, saying it is a matter of national urgency and human dignity.