From Ethiopia to South Africa: The dark web of JKIA smugglers

Kitengela Police boss Joel Munyalo on guard after more than 58 aliens from Ethiopia were arrested at New Valey Estate in Kitengela, Kajiado County on Feb 5, 2025. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

In 2024, Kenya's police reported the arrest and rescue of 1,019 illegal immigrants. Among them, 968 were Ethiopians, 46 were Eritreans, and 5 were Burundians.

For instance, on January 2, 2024, authorities nabbed a human trafficker in Lucky Summer and rescued 73 Ethiopians. In addition, a Burundian was deported to his home country via the Busia border, while an Eritrean was sent back to Uganda on May 13 for his involvement in trafficking operations.