A growing number of young Kenyans chasing employment opportunities outside the country are being lured into dangerous trafficking networks through fake job advertisements, with Parliament now demanding answers on measures to stop the exploitation.
Banissa MP Ahmed Hassan has raised concern over the rising cases of young people being recruited through online platforms and promised jobs abroad before being transported through illegal routes and subjected to abuse in foreign countries.
The legislator told the National Assembly on Wednesday that human trafficking has become a serious cross-border crime, with organised groups taking advantage of unemployment and desperation among young people to trap them in exploitative situations.
While seeking a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Hassan said victims are often deceived with attractive employment opportunities before finding themselves in the hands of criminal gangs.
He said some of those recruited are moved through Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan before being taken to Libya, where they face harsh conditions and are denied their freedom.
"Once in Libya, victims are reportedly subjected to forced labour, extortion, unlawful detention and are often held while traffickers demand ransom from their families," Hassan told the House.
Hassan said the Government must move quickly to investigate and prosecute individuals behind the trafficking schemes, warning that failure to act will leave more young Kenyans vulnerable to exploitation.
He also pointed to reports linking a group known as Magafe to trafficking and smuggling activities, saying the alleged operations of the network show the growing threat posed by criminal organisations operating across borders.
The MP said the impact of trafficking extends beyond victims, with families also suffering emotionally and financially as they attempt to locate missing relatives, negotiate for their release and provide support after their return.
"The activities of these trafficking syndicates are causing immense distress to affected families while increasing the threat posed by transnational organised crime," he said.
Hassan wants the Government to explain how security agencies are tracking and disrupting trafficking networks involved in recruiting and moving Kenyan citizens through illegal channels.
He further sought details on measures being taken to identify victims stranded in Libya and other countries, as well as efforts by Kenyan diplomatic missions to assist in rescue and repatriation.
The MP called for more support for survivors of trafficking, including access to counselling, legal aid and reintegration programmes to help them recover from the effects of exploitation.
He also wants Kenya to strengthen partnerships with neighbouring countries and global agencies to improve efforts against trafficking, particularly in dismantling networks that prey on young people searching for better opportunities.