A new report reveals Kenya ranks second in Africa for human trafficking, with victims being lured abroad by fake job promises.
The report, produced by the ENACT project and funded by the European Union, identifies Nigeria as the top country in Africa for organized crime, followed by Kenya, South Africa, Libya, and Uganda.
The report also alleges that state officials in Kenya are complicit in protecting mafia-style gangs that trick job seekers with promises of overseas opportunities, only to force them into slavery upon arrival.
The Africa Organised Crime Index, which tracks organized crime trends up to 2024, highlights Kenya’s vulnerability to human trafficking due to its position as a source and transit country.
Cybercrime, financial crime, human trafficking, and human smuggling are identified as major drivers of organized crime in Kenya, with traffickers exploiting the country’s rapid digitization and regional mobility.
These findings corroborate a recent Jukwaa la Usalama Report presented to President William Ruto, which revealed that Nairobi alone hosts over 130 criminal gangs.
The report’s authors emphasize the need for urgent action to address Kenya’s organized crime problem, which is fueled by corruption and weak law enforcement.
