The government has deregistered 400 out of 900 recruitment agencies that have been in operation over the years. This is a move to counter trafficking in persons.
Speaking during the world day against trafficking in persons, Hon. Florence Bore, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, said that the 500 recruitment agencies that have been given a clean bill to operate are still being monitored.
“There has been an increase of migration of Kenyans to other countries mostly for job opportunities, and in the quest for better opportunities abroad, many have fallen victim to rogue employment agencies and traffickers who make enticing job advertisements through the internet,” said CS Bore adding that, as a result, the number of Kenyans in distress in foreign countries has continued to increase.
She called upon Kenyans who require to migrate for labour to ensure they deal only with the agencies that are duly registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection through the National employment authority.
Shedding light on the human trafficking menace, the CS said that some of the main factors contributing to trafficking in persons include poverty, unemployment, ready markets for cheap labour, ignorance and impacts of climate change.
Mary Muroki, a survivor, for instance, left Kenya for Jordan through a connection from a friend who assured her that greener pastures awaited. She remained enclosed in her employer’s compound for five years when she got to Jordan.
Assured that Muroki could not escape, her employer started sending her outside the compound to take dogs for rounds. It was during those rounds that she met someone who later rescued her.
“We need to be aware that survivors of human trafficking have an important role to play in key decisions that will guide and effect measures with their great knowledge and expertise through lived experience,” said Muroki during the event, adding that human trafficking is a crime that affects every part of society.
Apart from vetting recruitment agencies, CS Bore noted that the government has continued to enhance the capacity of law enforcement officers to handle cases of trafficking in persons leading to significant improvement in investigations, prosecutions and determination of the cases.
The National Employment Authority (NEA) has a list of the 500 approved recruitment agencies, and Kenyans who intend to migrate for labour are encouraged to check up with them.
“Human trafficking is hiding in dark corners. Let us carry light into the darkness. Let us reach every victim with our actions and bring them hope, compassion and Justice.” CS Bore emphasised
