Law on trafficking urgent to curb vice, says IOM

Kenya urgently needs a specific anti-human trafficking legislation to address the rising dangers posed by human traffickers, an international aid agency has said.

Protracted emergencies in the country, such as drought, hunger, civil and political unrests both internally and in neighbouring countries, have led to an increase in forced displacement, perfect conditions for trafficking, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said Thursday.

If enacted, anti-human trafficking laws will make it easier for stakeholders to raise awareness and profile of human trafficking therefore helping stamp out the vice, said IOM.

Addressing a press conference at the Stanley Hotel, Nairobi, the organisation said young women, children and men are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cartels dealing in human trade both locally and internationally.

“Tragically, human trafficking is on the increase in Kenya. Victims are caught between more favourable conditions for traffickers recruiting them and a lack of proper legislation,” said Tal Raviv, IOM’s regional programme development officer.

But their appeals for a law to curb the vice could soon be answered. Already, a draft Bill, The Counter Trafficking in Persons Bill, has been taken to Parliament by nominated MP, Millie Odhiambo and could be debated once the House resumes in February.

Kenya has been described as transit point for human traffickers who smuggle people to Europe, Asia, Middle East and America. The UN estimates that over 2.7 million are trafficked annually.

But estimates are difficult to come by in Kenya due to the clandestine nature of the trade.