NAIROBI, Kenya — Banissa MP Ahmed Hassan has called on the government to urgently dismantle human trafficking syndicates targeting vulnerable Kenyan youth through fraudulent overseas job offers, warning that the crime has evolved into a sophisticated transnational network exposing victims to exploitation, abuse and conditions akin to modern slavery.
Raising the matter on the floor of the National Assembly, Hassan sought a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security over the increasing number of reported cases involving young Kenyans allegedly recruited through social media before being trafficked across several countries and eventually ending up in Libya.
The legislator said organised criminal networks are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to lure desperate job seekers with promises of lucrative employment abroad, only for many to fall victim to trafficking syndicates operating across the region.
According to Hassan, available reports indicate that victims are transported through Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan before being taken to Libya, where they are subjected to serious human rights abuses.
“Once in Libya, victims are reportedly subjected to forced labour, extortion, unlawful detention and are often held while traffickers demand ransom from their families,” Hassan told the House.
He further expressed concern over reports linking a criminal network identified as Magafe to human trafficking and migrant smuggling activities, saying the group’s operations have heightened fears over the growing reach of organised transnational crime in the region.
The MP warned that such criminal syndicates continue to expose vulnerable young Kenyans to exploitation, violence and abuse while leaving families emotionally and financially devastated as they struggle to secure the release of their loved ones.
“The activities of these trafficking syndicates are causing immense distress to affected families while increasing the threat posed by transnational organised crime,” he said.
In his request, Hassan called for a comprehensive government response outlining measures being taken to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals and criminal networks involved in the recruitment, trafficking and exploitation of Kenyan nationals.
He also sought clarification on efforts to dismantle trafficking rings, including the alleged Magafe network, which is reportedly using social media platforms to recruit unsuspecting victims with false promises of employment opportunities abroad.
The legislator further asked the government to explain what steps Kenyan diplomatic missions are taking to trace, rescue and facilitate the safe return of citizens believed to be trapped in Libya and other foreign countries after falling victim to traffickers.
Beyond rescue operations, Hassan urged the government to outline support mechanisms available to returning victims, including legal aid, psychosocial counselling, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Additionally, Y News has learned from sources at different Law Courts with criminal jurisdictions that a sophisticated human trafficking syndicate is expanding its operations. The network, which exploits victims for sexual purposes and other offences, reflects an alarming new pattern in the region’s criminal landscape.
The MP also called for details on Kenya’s long-term strategy to strengthen cross-border cooperation with neighbouring transit countries, regional bodies and international partners in combating human trafficking, dismantling organised criminal networks and protecting vulnerable migrants from exploitation.
The concerns come amid increasing reports by law enforcement agencies and anti-trafficking organisations of criminal syndicates exploiting economic hardships and high youth unemployment to recruit Kenyans through deceptive online advertisements offering jobs in foreign countries.
Authorities have repeatedly cautioned job seekers to verify overseas employment opportunities through licensed recruitment agencies and relevant government institutions before travelling.
