A group of Kenyans who had been trapped in Thailand due to human trafficking syndicates will arrive back in the country this afternoon. The repatriation follows months of collaboration between Thai, Chinese, and Myanmar authorities, who successfully dismantled several scam centers along the Thai-Myanmar border in February, leading to the rescue of thousands of foreign nationals, including hundreds of Kenyans.
The returnees will land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 12:30 p.m. today, where they will be welcomed by a multi-agency team led by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs. The principal secretary of Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Roseline K. Njogu, will be among those receiving the group. The Kenyan government has been actively working to assist its citizens who have fallen victim to an intricate human trafficking network, which has lured many with promises of lucrative job opportunities in Thailand.
In February, authorities from Thailand, Myanmar, and China carried out a joint operation that resulted in the dismantling of several fraudulent centers operating along the Thai-Myanmar border. This operation freed thousands of foreign nationals, many of whom were trapped under the guise of employment. These centers were notorious for exploiting people, including Kenyans, who were promised well-paying jobs but found themselves subjected to forced labor, fraud, and abuse.
This afternoon’s repatriation marks the latest in a series of efforts by the Kenyan government to bring back its citizens who have been ensnared by such criminal networks. The government previously facilitated the return of 48 Kenyans rescued from Myanmar, highlighting the ongoing commitment to addressing the issue of human trafficking and protecting Kenyans abroad.
Human trafficking remains a significant concern for Kenya, as many people continue to fall prey to fraudulent job offers in foreign countries. The government, through various agencies, continues to educate the public on the dangers of such scams and is intensifying efforts to repatriate victims, ensuring they receive the necessary support and care upon return.
