Lack of laws condemns Kenyan job-seekers to slavery

Anppcan has rescued 20 of such cases. Some of those ferried from Moyale and Somalia are taken to Busia and kept in residential homes as the trafficking networks prepare their travel papers.

“When you get there, you are told that they are schools,” says the Anppcan official who is coordinating the study into trafficking of children across Busia. “Yet, they are the holding ground for trafficked children.”

Removal of organs

Some of these children are moved from Kenya “for purposes such as removal of organs, religious rituals or witchcraft”, according to Cradle in its 90-page report Grand Illusions, Shattered Dream.

According to reports, the Kenya police and Interpol are currently investigating a number of cases similar to Lucy’s.

After rescuing two children in Tanzania last year, police believe another 40 minors and six adults are in bondage in the neighbouring country.

Investigations have also moved to Netherlands and Ireland where five children are believed to live in slavery.

Anppcan is also pursuing investigations into child trafficking.