Schoolboy rescued from Tanzania as cases of human trafficking shoot

The human rights activist noted human trafficking victims found in Taveta also include young girls lured by truck drivers into sexual relationships. [iStockphoto]

Human rights activists have rescued a primary school pupil who had been trafficked to Tanzania to work as a farmhand.

The Standard Seven student at Mwakingali Primary School was rescued by officials from the Taita-Taveta Human Rights Watch.

Mr Haji Mwakio, the chairman of the Taita-Taveta Rights Watch, said they acted on a tip-off and traced the boy working as a farmhand at Marerani in Arusha, Tanzania.

He said the victim disappeared from home in Voi town when schools closed and did not report back to school when they reopened on January 23, prompting the search.

"The boy is now back to school under the care of the children's department. We thank the immigration officials from Kenya and Tanzania for assisting us," he revealed.

The human rights activist noted human trafficking victims found in Taveta also include young girls lured by truck drivers into sexual relationships.

Taveta Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Mericho said cases of human trafficking are on the rise and vowed to beef up security.

"We have a good working relationship with our counterparts in Tanzania, and those with information should share it with the investigating agencies for quick action," he said.