The government is taking decisive steps to curb the rising menace of human trafficking in the country by establishing a special anti-trafficking unit, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.
Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Murkomen revealed that the new unit will focus on the stricter enforcement of labour migration regulations. He emphasized that the initiative will help dismantle human trafficking networks, particularly those preying on vulnerable youth with false promises of better opportunities abroad.
“Human trafficking is a challenge that needs an all-of-society and multi-agency approach to curb it,” Murkomen said, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts between government bodies, communities, and civil society.
The CS was responding to concerns raised by Tarbaj Member of Parliament Hussein Barre, who highlighted rampant cases of human trafficking in Northern Kenya. Barre called for updates on ongoing investigations and the government’s strategy to address the issue, especially with regard to the role of recruitment agencies suspected of trafficking-related activities.
Murkomen confirmed that law enforcement agencies are already probing several recruitment firms and individuals linked to trafficking operations. He added that arrests have been made, and those apprehended are being prosecuted in court.
To complement these efforts, awareness campaigns are being rolled out across communities to help citizens identify and report human trafficking incidents. “Awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate communities on recognising and reporting human trafficking cases, empowering them to play a role in prevention and intervention efforts,” he stated.
The formation of this dedicated unit marks a significant policy shift in tackling human trafficking in Kenya, a crime that has devastated many families, especially in regions like Northern Kenya. The government hopes the multi-agency strategy will tighten regulation of labour migration and bring justice to victims.
With heightened enforcement, public awareness, and judicial action, the new anti-trafficking unit aims to disrupt trafficking networks and offer a lifeline to potential victims of this exploitative crime.
