Counter Trafficking in Persons

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What is Human Trafficking?

Article 3, paragraph (a) of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons defines Trafficking in Persons as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.

What is the issue?

According to The US Department of State report on Trafficking in Persons 2015; Kenya has been identified as a source, transit and destination country for trafficking of men, women and children. Children from poor families are illegally taken away from their home with a promise of a better life in the cities and neighboring countries. Victims are exploited by their captors to provide free labour and sex. Most of the victims undergo multiple exploitations. Unfortunately, there is very little help available to enable victims heal from their traumatic experiences and reintegrate into society.

CDTD provides direct assistance (shelter and related services) to local and cross border victims of human trafficking. This enhances the victims’ protection, safety, rehabilitation and social reintegration. Through community advocacy, the problem is dealt with from the root as different stakeholders unite to fight the vice. Also, economic empowernment is provided to poor households of the victims thereby reducing the incidence of re-trafficking and re-victimization. The long term impact of this program will decrease vulnerability to trafficking for communities sensitized and increase referrals for victims to available assistance. Rehabilitated victims will gain self-esteem and confidence to talk about their plight to potential victims. Those reintegrated will become productive members of their communities and become agents of change. Finally, the Project will stimulate government action on prosecution of perpetrators and enhance justice for victims.

Our Journey

Our Journey

In September 2008 the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Centre for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD) entered into a partnership for the implementation of a project called “phase 2 of the Counter Human Trafficking in Kenya through Capacity Building, Awareness Raising and Assistance to Victims.”

Under this partnership CDTD was mandated to provide comprehensive assistance to trafficked persons. Victim assistance was conducted within a broader programme of domestic workers which uses empowerment, awareness, self-dignity,self- determinism and goal setting as themes of transformation.

By 2010 sixteen (16) victims of trafficking had be assisted and reintegrated successfully. Following the success of this project, CDTD has continued working in partnership with IOM for the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of Victims of Trafficking from Kenya and Abroad. In 2011 CDTD was appointed by IOM as a member of the taskforce for the development of guidelines for victim assistance of Human Trafficking in the East Africa Region. The guidelines can be accessed through the link: Guidelinesforassistingvictims

On July 2014 CDTD partnered with ANPPCAN Regional office and Childline Kenya to form a consortium for the implementation of a project titled “Contributing to the elimination of urban child trafficking in Kenya”. The project was implemented under the technical support and funding from Terre des homes. Consortium partners were made up of ANPPCAN Regional (Lead), Centre for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD) and Childline Kenya (CLK). The project was targeting 400 children drawn from a geographical coverage of Mathare and Mukuru informal settlements in Nairobi. Target beneficiaries included children in trafficking and those at risk of trafficking. Services to children included; rescue where necessary, psycho social support, interim care, family reunion, vocational skills training, return to school and economic support to households among others.

Currenty CDTD works with the Counter Trafficking in Persons Secretariat (CTiP),International Organization for Migration (IOM), among other stake holders to surport Victims of Trafficking (VoTs).CDTD is also a member of Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women(GAATW). Between 2018 and 2020 the Talia Agler Girls Shelter served over 200 local and international girls and women victims of Trafficking.

Are you Aware of Labor Export Changes in Kenya?

Since March 2019, the government of Kenya sought to further strengthen migrant labor export and protect labor migrants. Working through the National Employment Authority, the government developed protocols for domestic labor export. At the same time, various bi-lateral agreements were signed with different receiving countries, notably, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and United Arab Republic. To ensure better protection services, Labour attaches were sent to these four countries. Notwithstanding these actions, there still exist gaps in prosecution of traffickers; and in particular for protection of workers who may have migrated earlier than the protocol in place.

Are you a Potential Migrant?

Key Bodies that you Need to Know

NEA is a governmental body which provides employment services and plays a key role in facilitating foreign employment recruitment through private employment agencies.

NEA further accredits legal employment agencies which assist potential low skill jobs migrants in securing interviews and jobs abroad. The list of these agencies is regularly updated on NEA’s website. EmploymentAgenciesList. NB: It’s highly advised to not work with any agency that is not on NEA’s list.

Learn more on migration laws here: Migrationlaws-Resources

  • The Kenya Migrant Worker Website

This website explores topics related to labor migration to the middle East, countries that have made treaties with Kenya, how or where to locate Kenyan labor attaches in the Middle East, pre departure information, returnees’ information etc.

  • Association of Skilled Migrant Agencies of Kenya (ASMAK)

ASMAK is the umbrella body for registered and accredited labor export agencies. Its mandate is to ensure that all members conduct their businesses ethically, to the highest standards and promote good practice.