US report says Kenyan officials linked to human trafficking are going unpunished
Convictions fell from 21 to six in a year. The report also cites claims that some embassy staff in Saudi Arabia demanded sex or cash from women seeking help.
Nairobi — Kenya is failing to act against officials linked to human trafficking, the United States says in its 2026 Trafficking in Persons report, according to Capital FM.
"Corruption and official complicity in trafficking crimes remained significant concerns," the report says. It keeps Kenya on Tier 2, the ranking for countries that are making significant efforts but do not meet minimum standards.
What the report describes
- Kenyan authorities investigated three labour ministry officials suspected of taking bribes to facilitate the trafficking of migrant workers to the Middle East.
- No action was reported against recruitment agencies allegedly owned by government employees. Authorities pursued lesser charges, such as failing to register a company.
- Media reports indicated that more than 10% of government officials held ownership stakes in private agencies recruiting migrant workers.
- Criminal networks allegedly colluded with police and immigration officers at borders and airports to move victims.
- Some staff at Kenya's embassy in Saudi Arabia allegedly demanded sex or cash from women seeking help to escape abusive employers.
- More than 1,000 Kenyan men were fraudulently recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, with alleged collusion between Kenyan and Russian officials.
Fewer cases reach court
Convictions fell to six in 2025, from 21 the year before. Prosecutions fell to 14, from 44. The number of cases investigated was almost unchanged, at 43.
This report is based on reporting by Capital FM, published by AllAfrica.
