Authorities have rescued 133 children from potential trafficking. The children were found en route to overseas destinations without a parent or legal guardian. This intervention occurred as part of broader efforts to monitor child travel, with 2,650 travel approvals granted during the same period.
Officials handling the rescue operate under a dedicated directorate that manages assistance for victims of trafficking. The department oversees a trust fund aimed at providing necessities, rescue operations, and reintegration support for affected individuals, both adults and children. Between July 2024 and the present, 133 individuals have received aid through these initiatives.
Reports indicate that trafficking networks actively recruit individuals, often targeting vulnerable populations. Kenya has been identified as a trafficking hotspot, with cases involving both the recruitment of foreign nationals for illicit activities and the exploitation of locals. Traffickers employ various means, including family involvement and online recruitment, to lure individuals into forced labor or sexual exploitation.
The issue has been further highlighted in recent assessments by civil organizations, which link trafficking to underlying socio-economic challenges such as poverty and unemployment. The government has responded by focusing on repatriation efforts, particularly for those trafficked to regions such as Myanmar. The department responsible for combating trafficking also provides advisory support on inter-agency coordination, protective measures, and rehabilitation programs.
Additionally, statistics reveal a widespread prevalence of violence against children, with over 120,000 cases reported and handled nationwide last year. Over a three-year span, close to half a million cases have been managed through official child welfare offices. Findings from past surveys indicate that nearly half of females and more than half of males experience some form of childhood violence, with physical violence being the most common. Childhood sexual violence also remains a concern, with many survivors facing repeated abuse before adulthood.
Preventative measures include national awareness campaigns aimed at promoting responsible caregiving and eliminating harmful practices such as child marriage, abuse, and sexual exploitation. Specific efforts also address online exploitation, female genital mutilation, and other forms of abuse.
The government continues to run a network of facilities to support affected children, including rehabilitation schools, remand homes, rescue centers, and specialized assessment institutions. These centers play a crucial role in offering shelter, care, and rehabilitation for children in need.
