In a startling revelation, the 2023 Global Slavery Index has shed light on the pervasive issue of modern slavery in Kenya. The report, released by the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, indicates that five in every 1,000 Kenyans experienced modern slavery in 2021, amounting to a staggering 269,000 individuals subjected to forced labor or marriage. This troubling statistic places Kenya 88th globally in terms of the prevalence of modern slavery.
The report underscores the alarming increase in the number of people worldwide who fall victim to modern slavery and trafficking each year. Since 2016, an additional 10 million individuals have been forced into work or marriage, bringing the global estimate of those living in modern slavery to an astounding 50 million. Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, who chairs the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, attributes this surge to the escalating geopolitical and economic volatility, conflict, and climate change.
During her visit to Maisha Safe House in Kenya, an organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable girls, May emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, "Modern slavery and human trafficking affect people in every country of the world, including Kenya, and it is vital to understand the particular challenges being faced in the region from both a government and civil society perspective."
The Kenyan government has taken significant steps to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs PS Joseph Motari highlighted the enactment of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act as a crucial milestone in the fight against human trafficking. This comprehensive law provides a robust legal framework for prosecuting traffickers, protecting victims, and preventing trafficking, with some of the most punitive penalties for traffickers in the region.
In addition to the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, the government has implemented other notable laws, such as the Children Act, the Sexual Offences Act, and the Labour Act, to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking. The establishment of a national assistance trust fund to support the rescue, return, and reintegration of trafficking victims, as well as specialized units within the police service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, demonstrates the government's commitment to combating this issue.
However, despite these efforts, modern slavery and human trafficking remain hidden in plain sight, particularly affecting young girls in domestic work. Sophie Otiende, the CEO of Global Fund to End Modern Slavery and Founder of Azadi Community, emphasizes the importance of incorporating the voices of those most impacted in the fight against modern slavery. As a survivor leader and protection practitioner, Otiende strives to raise the profile of this challenge and collaborate with local organizations in Kenya to protect the most vulnerable.
The Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking's visit to Kenya aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by survivors and organizations working to combat this issue. Through meetings with representatives of 17 African nations and 27 civil society organizations, the commission sought to comprehend the impact of conflict, forced labor in supply chains, and the civil society response to inform their approach in tackling modern slavery and human trafficking.
As the world grapples with the growing urgency of eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking, it is crucial for governments, civil society organizations, and individuals to work collectively towards this goal. The insights gained from the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking's visit to Kenya will undoubtedly contribute to shaping a more effective and comprehensive response to this pressing issue, both within the region and on a global scale.
