Exclusive: Kenyans Rescued from Human Trafficking in Myanmar

Dozens of Kenyans have been caught in a terrifying human trafficking network, trapped in Myanmar and forced to work in illegal online fraud centers. Many were promised well-paying jobs abroad but instead ended up as modern-day slaves. Now, as the Kenyan government struggles to bring them home, their stories reveal shocking details of abuse, torture, and survival.

A Desperate Escape: A source in Thailand told The EastAfrican that 45 Kenyans were reported missing. "Now, half of them have been found," the source said. Some of them made a daring escape into Thailand, while others remain stranded in Myanmar.

One survivor, a 30-year-old Kenyan man, told Thai police that the criminal gang was holding about 1,000 people in captivity. These victims, including people from Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria, and other countries, were forced to work nonstop under brutal conditions.

Raids and Rescues : The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), an armed group in Myanmar, raided the fraudulent work centers and freed the victims. "On February 11, we identified 261 victims and transferred them to Thai authorities on February 12," the Thai army said.

Among those rescued were people from more than 15 countries, including the Philippines, Pakistan, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. However, many victims were still left behind.

Torture and Forced Labor : Survivors revealed the horrifying conditions they faced. "They were only allowed to sleep for two to three hours a day and worked nonstop. They were kept in dark cells and subjected to continuous abuse," Thai authorities reported. Some were forced to meet financial targets of up to $50,000, and if they failed, they were tortured.

Women were among those rescued, though the exact number of female victims remains unclear.

Stranded Due to Budget Cuts: Despite the rescues, at least 44 Kenyans are still stuck in Myanmar and Thailand. Labour and Social Protection Principal Secretary Joseph Motari blamed budget cuts for the delay in bringing them home.

"We need Ksh80 million (about $620,000) to help victims of human trafficking, but only Ksh20 million ($155,000) has been allocated," Motari told a parliamentary committee. "This leaves us with a shortfall of Ksh60 million ($465,000), and this is the money we use to bring home Kenyans stuck outside the country."

The rescued victims are expected to be handed over to their respective embassies for repatriation, but with limited funds, their return remains uncertain.

Dire Conditions in Myanmar : The conditions in the camps where the victims are sheltered remain terrible. The Kenyan government described the situation as dire. "Access to medical care, clean water, electricity, and sanitation is severely limited," officials stated.

A team from the Kenyan State Department for Diaspora Affairs has been working on plans to bring the victims home. "The Government of Kenya is engaging with the Thai Government to reopen the border on humanitarian grounds," a government statement said.

Still, More Kenyans Trapped :Investigations reveal that 23 Kenyans were among 260 foreigners rescued from a forced labor camp in Myanmar last month. However, many others remain trapped.

Nairobi is in talks with Thailand to reopen the Thai-Myanmar border and evacuate 64 Kenyans. "The group was still stranded at the border on Monday," the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs reported.

This group is just part of a much larger crisis, over 7,000 foreigners have been freed from these trafficking networks but are unable to return home due to border restrictions.

Warning to Kenyans Seeking Jobs Abroad

The Kenyan government has now issued a warning to citizens looking for jobs overseas. "We urge Kenyans to verify recruitment agencies with the Ministry of Labour and cross-check job offers with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs," officials said.

With more Kenyans still missing and many waiting for rescue, the fight against human trafficking continues. For those who made it out, the nightmare is far from over as they struggle to return home.