Duncan Okindo and Susan Wafula are just two Kenyans who have experienced the brutal realities of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. They’re calling attention to the continued exploitation of East Africans. Their experiences paint a deeply troubling picture. Warnings are circulating in Kenya as job seekers seek work overseas, including in Thailand and Myanmar. Despite the dangers, recruitment agencies continue, promising fake jobs that trap willing jobseekers into a cycle of modern slavery.
According to new investigations, thousands of East Africans are ensnared in cyberscam sweatshops throughout Southeast Asia. Thai authorities have greatly enhanced their ability to facilitate the rescue of countless victims. The networks behind these recruitments are still out there, still in pursuit of the next individual with English-language proficiency and tech sensibilities. This disturbing trend has fueled greater collaboration among East African governments and Thai authorities to address the rising tide of human trafficking.
In April, 2023, after a torturous and traumatic ordeal, Okindo found freedom from Myanmar’s notorious KK Park compound. He was surprised at first to be so easily fooled by a cab driver who pretended to be a tourist when he picked him up at the airport. Okindo sued the employment agency that placed him on this path. He further accused them of complicity in his trafficking and enslavement.
“Sometimes I fear talking about it, but I say whatever happens, let me save a few people instead of being quiet.” – Duncan Okindo
Susan Wafula’s story introduces a new dimension to this already tragic narrative. A month in four different Thai detention centers was her experience after being rescued from a Myanmar romance scam factory system in 2022. In that eight years, she fought day in and day out through the legal system to win her freedom.
“I was in a cell just so I could be determined to be a trafficking victim and get my freedom,” – Susan Wafula
At the same time, modern slavery networks have increased their recruitment of East Africans. They are exploiting Kenya’s ballooning unemployment rate, particularly for youth. Approximately 80% of Kenya’s citizens are younger than 35 years old. As many of these young people as possible are keen to be able to look for jobs overseas. The lure of good-paying jobs in tech and other fields frequently brings them to these perilous situations.
With successful repatriation initiatives underway, East African governments are on the cutting edge of this work. Recruitment agencies continue to operate, recruiting duped workers through slick online job advertisements and social media marketing campaigns. These agencies flourish in an environment where desperation and fraudulence collide, providing ripe bait for exploitation of vulnerable populations.
Jason Tower, an expert on human trafficking, focused on the wider implications of these networks.
“At the end of the day, that’s what scam syndicates seek to do: turn these people into money-making machines who are able to function as high-capacity scammers,” – Jason Tower
Okindo’s story illustrates the many layers of nuance involved with the issue. After his ordeal, he went back with an equally combative spirit. He is passionate about making more people aware of the trafficking networks that prey on East Africans.
Mutuku Nguli, a civil society policy analyst, made clear why authorities are stuck in a blockade of their own making when trying to address this crisis.
“The government found themselves in the deep end of this situation,” – Mutuku Nguli
As awareness grows regarding the plight of trafficked individuals from East Africa, it remains crucial for governments and organizations to act decisively. Joint action by countries around the world is vital to break down trafficking pipelines and offer assistance to victims who wish to return home and recover.