Human trafficking is a serious ethical issue that demands the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders to combat effectively. Recognizing this urgency, Talithakum International Kenya (TIK) initiated a border police awareness program to enhance law enforcement’s understanding of human trafficking. On February 13th and 15th, 2025, awareness sessions were held in Lungalunga, Kwale County, and Taita Taveta County, respectively. A total of 33 police officers participated in the training at Lungalunga, while 50 officers attended at the Taveta border. These sessions were organized in collaboration with Officers Commanding Police Divisions (OCPDs), Officers Commanding Stations (OCSs), and border commanders, ensuring that key law enforcement personnel received crucial insights into the fight against human trafficking.

The program plays a vital role in addressing the protection and prosecution pillars outlined in the Palermo Protocol, which aims to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute traffickers. One of the key findings from the training was that many police officers possessed only a surface-level understanding of human trafficking. Their knowledge was limited to the most common and visible forms, such as forced labor and sexual exploitation, while they were largely unaware of other hidden aspects, including organ trafficking, domestic servitude, and child exploitation in forced begging. The training sessions exposed them to these lesser-known dimensions, broadening their perspectives on the complexities of human trafficking. Many officers expressed surprise at the depth and scope of trafficking networks, highlighting the necessity for more specialized training to strengthen their capacity in handling such cases.

Given the overwhelming response from the police officers, there was a unanimous request for continued sensitization programs and the introduction of Training of Trainers (ToT) initiatives. The officers recognized that their current knowledge gaps could hinder effective interventions, making it essential to equip them with more advanced skills. The need for continuous engagement between law enforcement agencies and anti-trafficking organizations like TIK was emphasized to ensure better coordination and improved case handling. By fostering ongoing education and collaboration, the program aims to enhance investigative approaches, victim identification, and legal procedures for prosecuting traffickers. Moving forward, strengthening these training efforts will be instrumental in creating a well-informed police force capable of effectively combating human trafficking at border points.

Media programs

Media coverage plays a crucial role in community sensitization, providing a platform to educate the public on critical issues such as human trafficking. As part of our efforts to reach a wider audience in the coastal region of Kenya, we engaged various media outlets to amplify our awareness campaigns. Our first stop was Baraka FM, which has a listenership of 200,000, followed by Radio Msenangu, reaching 1.5 million listeners. We then engaged with TV47, which has an extensive outreach of 6,885,000 viewers, and concluded with Radio Tumaini – Voi, which covers 500,000 listeners. These media appearances were instrumental in educating the public about the dangers of human trafficking and preventive measures that communities can take to protect themselves.

Feedback from listeners indicated a strong need for more awareness sessions to further enlighten the public on human trafficking. Many listeners expressed a keen interest in understanding the different forms of trafficking, how traffickers operate, and ways to identify and report cases. One major concern raised was that the interactive call-in sessions during the talk shows were too short, limiting audience participation. Listeners recommended allocating more time for live interactions to allow deeper discussions and personal testimonies. This feedback highlights the public’s growing awareness of the issue and the necessity of sustained engagement through media platforms.

Based on the recommendations received, it is essential to schedule more programs that continuously educate listeners on human trafficking and related issues. Extending interaction time during broadcasts will encourage more community participation, making the discussions more impactful. Additionally, the need for outdoor sensitization activities was emphasized, particularly in grassroots areas where media access may be limited. Organizing on-the-ground awareness campaigns will complement radio and television programs, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations are informed.

On the 24th and 25th of April 2025, Talithakum International Kenya (TIK) convened a pivotal start-up meeting at the serene Dimesse Retreat Centre. This significant gathering brought together member congregation contact persons, Talithakum Youth Ambassadors, and interreligious group representatives from Mombasa and Garissa, along with other stakeholders. The meeting’s primary agenda was to introduce the staff officials, members especially those who recently joined the program, provide an overview of the 2024–2026 proposal and project implementation work plan, and address key operational concerns, including delayed activity implementations.

The meeting commenced with a detailed explanation of the reasons behind the delays, attributed to donor-mandated adjustments. These included the need for program registration under a suitable name distinct from Talithakum International Kenya, the realignment of foundational documents such as the constitution, and the selection of new board members to guide the program’s vision. These adjustments, though necessary, disrupted the initial timelines, pushing the start of activities initially slated for July 2024. As a result, members resolved to implement the remaining 2024 sessions before June 2025, ensuring a seamless transition into the second phase from July 2025 to June 2026.

The forum also illuminated two cornerstone programs: the Talithakum Youth Ambassadors and the Interreligious Initiative. The Talithakum Youth Ambassadors program, a vibrant extension of the global Talitha Kum network under the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), empowers Kenyan youth as agents of change in combating human trafficking. Participants were enlightened on the program’s core objectives: raising awareness, mobilizing youth for advocacy, fostering partnerships, and engaging communities. Members were particularly inspired by the peer-to-peer outreach strategy, leveraging the relatability and technological savvy of young leaders to educate vulnerable groups and combat trafficking through innovative digital platforms.

The Interreligious Group Initiative, a collaborative effort between TIK and St. Patrick’s Society, was also highlighted. Established in 2023, this initiative addresses human trafficking by uniting Christian and Muslim leaders to educate communities and inspire collective action. The program’s inclusivity was emphasized as a critical approach to combating human trafficking, fostering mutual respect among diverse faith communities to create a unified response to this social menace.

A robust session on budget reporting mechanisms introduced members to tools for efficient financial management, emphasizing the importance of timely expenditure submissions and compliance with fiscal agent requirements. Members were also urged to engage their superiors in discussions to increase the membership subscription fee from KES 5,000 to KES 10,000 to meet program needs adequately.

The forum further addressed the ongoing program registration process, with a history of naming challenges stemming from societal and donor considerations. Initially proposed as “Religious Against Human Trafficking (RAHT),” the name was deemed unsuitable due to sensitive local associations. The current working title, Talithakum International Kenya, was also contested by the donor. This necessitated the search for a new, appropriate name to ensure alignment with stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Members were introduced to a digitalized Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework using the Kobo Toolbox platform for seamless data collection and reporting. This transition to digital tools underlines TIK’s commitment to adopting innovative approaches for effective program management.

The meeting concluded on a high note with a unifying Mass and the official commissioning of the program, symbolized by a cake-cutting ceremony. This symbolic act of solidarity reinforced the shared commitment to combating human trafficking and fostering human dignity in Kenya.