NAHUSOM calls for special inquiry commission as more Kenyans are rescued from Myanmar scam syndicates
The Network Against Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants (NAHUSOM) has sounded the alarm over a disturbing rise in cases of human trafficking involving Kenyan nationals, specifically trafficking for forced criminality. In a joint press statement, the network has called on the Government of Kenya to urgently establish a Special Inquiry Commission to investigate the growing trend, particularly the trafficking of Kenyans to scam centres in Myanmar.
The statement follows recent confirmation from Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs that several Kenyans were among hundreds of foreigners trafficked to Myanmar and coerced into cybercrime activities such as online fraud, phishing, identity theft, and cryptocurrency scams. According to the ministry’s February 18 statement, the victims were held in fraud centres controlled by rebel groups, making rescue operations extremely difficult.
“These revelations highlight the grave and urgent nature of human trafficking for forced criminality affecting Kenyan citizens,” NAHUSOM said in the statement. “Traffickers are no longer just exploiting individuals for forced labour sexual exploitation, or domestic servitude, but are now coercing victims into engaging in illegal activities under duress.”
The network expressed concern over the evolving nature of trafficking, linking it to broader national and global threats including cybercrime, labor rights violations, and national security risks. NAHUSOM also pointed to the persistent exploitation and deaths of Kenyan domestic workers in Gulf countries, citing the urgent need for stronger government intervention.
While commending the government for its ongoing repatriation efforts and commitment to victims’ safety, NAHUSOM emphasized the need for a more comprehensive response in line with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, as well as Kenya’s own constitutional and legislative frameworks.
In its call to action, the network urged the government to:
Investigate the trafficking of Kenyans to Myanmar and other hotspot destinations.
Establish protective and preventive measures against trafficking for forced criminality.
Hold accountable individuals, institutions, and recruitment agencies found to be complicit.
Enhance protection of migrant workers’ rights and support reintegration of survivors.
NAHUSOM pledged to nominate experts in counter-human trafficking to support the commission’s investigations and operations.
The statement was endorsed by over 15 member organizations of NAHUSOM, including Counter Human Trafficking East Africa, Candle of Hope Foundation, Set Free to Thrive, Global Justice Group, and the Salvation Army, among others.
“We urge immediate action to ensure that no Kenyan becomes a victim of such exploitative and criminal trafficking schemes,” the coalition stated.
Stakeholders are calling for deeper coordination between government bodies, civil society organizations, and international partners to protect vulnerable Kenyans from falling prey to modern-day slavery