Human trafficking remains a pressing issue in Kenya, with many young individuals, particularly women from rural areas, falling victim to exploitative schemes disguised as employment opportunities abroad.
The story of Mercy Njeru exemplifies the harsh realities faced by numerous Kenyans who are lured into challenging situations overseas. In 2013, at the age of 19, Mercy found herself in a difficult position following her mother’s death. She bore the responsibility of supporting her younger brother’s education and caring for her ailing father. Desperate for a solution, Mercy was introduced to the idea of working in the Middle East by a friend who had found employment in Saudi Arabia.
Unbeknownst to her, this decision would lead Mercy into a harrowing ordeal of exploitation and abuse. Her journey began with confusing travel arrangements, including misleading ticket information and document signings in Arabic. Upon arrival in Jordan, Mercy and her fellow travellers were abandoned at the airport and left without food or assistance for days. The prevalence of such trafficking cases is alarming. According to the National Crime Research Centre, external trafficking accounts for 60.2% of human trafficking cases in Kenya.
Victims are often exploited for forced labour, sexual purposes, or domestic servitude. Glory Ndaka, a representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Kenya, reports that thousands of individuals, predominantly from rural areas, fall prey to traffickers annually. The Kenyan government has taken steps to address this issue, including the establishment of a Counter Trafficking in Persons Advisory Committee and the implementation of a National Plan of Action to Combat Human Trafficking. However, these efforts have yet to fully curb the problem, as evidenced by the persistent cases of exploitation.
Mercy’s experience in Jordan involved long working hours, physical abuse, and inadequate provision of necessities such as food and medical care. Despite these hardships, she managed to escape and return to Kenya. Now, Mercy dedicates her efforts to raising awareness about human trafficking and supporting other victims who have endured similar ordeals.
It’s bad enough to exploit…
It’s bad enough to exploit someone for labor,but to go as far as exploiting them sexually,a man has to have no soul,or has avery wicked one…
Exploitation of the vulnerable in every society comes down to poor governance in the country ,which leads to poor economy,due to wastage and misuse of resources by few greedy thieves…And yes a weak justice system.
During the recent protests ,someone said corruption is tantamount to mass killings.Well for sure one can see why the effects of corruption could be described as such.Indeed, I wonder how many dies in Kenya dues to lack affordable medical equipments,lack of medicine,lack of enough doctors/medical staff,lack of transport,lack of food-all because greedy politicians wasted,and stole funds intended for these services,and equipments.Especially if all,or most could have been avoided.
Arabs believe that black…
Arabs believe that black peoples were born to be slaves and especially if you are not a Muslim.
How did she escape?
How did she escape?
Churches, mosques, and all…
Churches, mosques, and all places of worship ought to be transformed into local industries where jobs can be created for the youth.
Let us focus on the present instead of the unknown and uncertain future.
WHERE TO PRAY:
Please read Matthew 6:6-8
New International Version
6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Human trafficking is an…
Human trafficking is an official government policy now. It main promoter is ruto and mutua. He mutua said so during vetting