The revelation that human trafficking and smuggling is taking root in Kenya is distressing.
This is the world’s third most lucrative illegal business after drug trafficking and arms trade. It rakes in up to Sh230 billion in profits annually.
It is estimated that close to one million people are trafficked across the international borders annually. Regrettably, Kenya contributes a substantial proportion of those being trafficked. Many more are trafficked locally within the country.
Kenya is considered a source of human trafficking and a transit point for victims from its war-torn neighbours heading for Europe and US.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says perpetrators are exploiting the drought situation, the food crisis and civil and political unrest in the country to propagate the illegal trade.
Modern day slavery
Unfortunately, this modern day slavery is thriving in Kenya due to lack of laws to deal with perpetrators.
Perpetrators who are arrested in Kenya are dealt with by other laws, which are too lenient for such heinous deeds.
Regrettably, as the crime blossoms, a Counter Trafficking in Persons Bill has been oscillating between the offices of the Attorney General, counter trafficking crusaders and Parliament since 2006.
If this crime is to be put under check, the Speaker of the National Assembly should publish the Bill, which was brought to the house as a private member’s Bill.
United Front
The House Business Committee needs to prioritise this Bill when Parliament resumes from the Christmas recess early next year.
The Government and MPs should give it maximum support and discuss it openly with a view to ending this vice.
In the meantime, the law enforcement agents have a huge task of fighting the human trafficking cartels using the existing laws.
The laws may not be adequate or effective, but under the circumstances they are the only option we have.
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We have to win this war, and it can only be won if all law enforcement agencies work harmoniously to stump out the vice.
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