The Government has heightened security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to protect Kenyans from falling victim to human trafficking networks.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 5, the State Department of Diaspora Affairs noted that the government had ramped up departure checks at the Airport.
The move follows cases of recently targeted young jobseekers
Further, the statement indicated that the checks were part of new measures in response to the growing number of Kenyans being lured abroad under false promises of lucrative jobs, only to end up trapped in scam compounds, especially in Southeast Asia.
Victims have reported severe punishments, including electric shocks, physical beatings, and organ harvesting.
“We urge Kenyans to take human trafficking seriously. Many were lured by promises of lucrative jobs, only to face forced labor and exploitation,” the statement read in part.
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Rescue From the Myanmar Scam
In the past month, over 7,000 people of various nationalities, including Kenyans, have been rescued from scam compounds in Myanmar.
Between 2022 and December 2024, the Government of Kenya successfully repatriated 150 Kenyan victims of human trafficking from the notorious “Golden Triangle” region in East Asia.
Moreover, since the start of 2025, an additional 175 Kenyans have been brought home, including 78 who arrived on Saturday, April 5. According to the state department, the individuals were lured to Myanmar with false promises of employment, only to find themselves trapped in organized scam operations.
Many had boarded flights at JKIA with dreams of better-paying jobs, unaware that they were walking into modern-day slavery.
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Other Measures Implemented Aside from JKIA Security
At the same time, the government has launched additional rescue efforts including interceptions at police roadblocks in Bangkok.
Also, individuals escaping the Myanmar scam are seeking help from the Thai authorities or the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok.
The government is also involved in a multi-national rescue operations with the Thai Government and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) in Myanmar.
Upon arrival, victims received a warm welcome from a multi-agency team, including the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Counter-Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, security agencies, and HAART Kenya.
“They are provided with counseling and psychological support to address the trauma experienced during their ordeal.
Apart from the government measures, Kenyans seeking jobs abroad have been advised to verify employment offers, especially those requiring upfront fees.
Also, Kenyan have been advised to use licensed agencies for job placements and obtain passports through official channels.
Moreover, the e State Department of Diaspora Affairs has asked those travelling for jobs abroad to ensure appropriate visas for travel and report suspicious activities to local authorities or embassies.
“Authenticate all job offers through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs on [email protected] or Tel 0114757002 and Kenya Embassy Bangkok through +66990745752 or [email protected], in any job promised in Thailand,” explained the statement.
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