Kenya Retains Tier 2 Status in U.S. Trafficking Report Amid Deepening Protection Gaps
Kenya has once again landed in Tier 2 of the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. This ranking signals that while the country is making efforts to combat human trafficking, it still falls short of meeting minimum global standards.
“Efforts Are Visible”—Progress in Investigations and Prosecutions
The report commended Kenya for improving investigations and prosecutions, especially in cases involving forced labour and child exploitation.
“The government demonstrated increasing efforts compared with the previous year,” the report stated. “More traffickers were investigated, prosecuted, and convicted,” it added.
“Victims Are Left Behind”—Protection Services Still Inadequate
The report sharply criticized the distribution of victim protection centres. Most are underfunded and concentrated in major towns, leaving rural victims without support.
“Protection services for adults remain minimal. Shelters are scarce,” the report noted. “Survivors often decline to testify due to fear and lack of support,” it added.
Children remain the most vulnerable, especially those working in domestic servitude, agriculture, and informal sectors.
“Slavery-like practices continue despite legal prohibitions,” the report warned. “Children are denied food, rest, and schooling,” it added.
“Borders Are Breached”—Kenya’s Geography Fuels Cross-Border Trafficking
Kenya’s location makes it a hotspot for cross-border trafficking. Victims are moved to and from neighbouring countries for forced labour and sexual exploitation.
Migrants and refugees, especially those in camps, face heightened risks. Yet, the government has not developed robust screening systems to protect them.
“Kenya remains a major source, transit, and destination country,” the report emphasized.
“Corruption Is a Catalyst”—Officials Implicated in Trafficking Networks
The report revealed that corruption and complicity among government officials continue to undermine anti-trafficking efforts.
“No law enforcement action was taken against complicit officials,” the report stated. “Accountability measures remain weak,” it added.
Fraudulent labor recruiters also prey on desperate Kenyans seeking jobs abroad, especially in the Gulf region.
“Awareness Isn’t Enough”—Prevention Campaigns Fall Short
Although the government has launched awareness campaigns, their impact remains limited.
“Efforts are not matching the scale of vulnerabilities,” the report concluded.
Without stronger enforcement, better victim support, and tighter oversight, Kenya risks remaining a trafficking hub.
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Kenya Retains Tier 2 Status in U.S. Trafficking Report Amid Deepening Protection Gaps
