This text is the development of the 2004 edition, edited by Stefano
Volpicelli and published by the IOM International Organization for
Migration, as part of the “Training Program for Religious Personnel
Working to Counteract Trafficking in Persons”, developed together
with the US Embassy to the Holy See and funded by the US
government. This work has contributed to the formation of Talitha Kum.
You can support the sisters ministry. By virtue of their dedication lived in fullness and in joy, consecrated women, are called in a very special way to be signs of God’s tender love towards the human race (Consecrated life 57)
You can support the sisters ministry. By virtue of their dedication lived in fullness and in joy, consecrated women, are called in a very special way to be signs of God’s tender love towards the human race (Consecrated life 57)
Traffickers increasingly target educated, ambitious young people because they are employable, mobile and trusted at borders. This guide sets out the five recruitment patterns our facilitators are seeing, and four checks that expose a false offer before anyone travels.
Eighty-three border officers were trained at Lungalunga and Taveta in February 2025. They were willing but working from too narrow a definition: hidden forms of trafficking were largely unknown. This brief sets out what the sessions surfaced and four recommendations for closing the gap.
Talitha Kum Kenya held an impactful and inspiring workshop at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, South B, focused on creating awareness on human trafficking among youth refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Burundi. The workshop brought together over 150 young people who were eager to learn, engage and become champions of safety and dignity within their communities.This important initiative was made possible through our partnership with Tushirikiane Africa Trust (TUSA) and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa. Their continued support and dedication are helping transform the lives of vulnerable youth, equipping them with knowledge that protects and empowers.
Young refugees are among the most vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation, often facing language barriers and limited access to information that traffickers seek to exploit. By creating spaces for open dialogue and education, we help these young people recognize risks, protect themselves and support one another.This workshop marks another significant stride in Talitha Kum Kenya’s ongoing mission to shield vulnerable communities from the dangers of trafficking. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the young participants reaffirm the power of early education and community-driven action in the fight against exploitation. As these young refugees return to their communities armed with knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose, they carry with them the potential to become powerful advocates for change, inspiring others to speak up, stay safe, and look out for one another.
In November 2025, Talitha Kum Kenya conducted an awareness creation training on human trafficking at Taita Taveta National Polytechnic, bringing together members of the institution’s administration, teaching faculty, and students. The session is part of our ongoing effort to equip young people with the knowledge to recognize, resist and report trafficking in persons.
Contrary to popular belief, trafficking victims are not only the poor or uneducated — traffickers are increasingly targeting educated, ambitious youth because they are more employable, mobile and trusted by employers and immigration officials. Awareness remains the strongest shield against exploitation, as students who understand how traffickers operate are far harder to deceive. The facilitator highlighted the emerging trends targeting youth, outlined below:
Fake job and internship offer abroad in tech, healthcare or hospitality that turn out to be fronts for forced labor or exploitation.
Cyber-scam compound trafficking, where graduates lured by “digital marketing” or IT jobs abroad are trafficked into scam centres and forced to run online fraud.
Social media recruitment via Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram and LinkedIn using fake profiles and testimonials.
Fraudulent scholarships and study-abroad placements requiring upfront payment or personal documents.
Exploitation of career ambition, with “too good to be true” offers bypassing verifiable recruitment channels.
Students learned to spot red flags in job and travel offers, verify opportunities safely, understand legitimate labor migration versus trafficking and know where to report concerns while also being encouraged to share this knowledge with peers.
Talitha Kum Kenya remains committed to expanding this training across more institutions, building a generation of students who are informed, alert and empowered against exploitation. We thank Taita Taveta National Polytechnic for their participation and look forward to continued partnership.
In May 2026, Talitha Kum Kenya was honoured to participate in the inaugural Pan-African Freedom Network (PFAN) Summit held in Abuja, Nigeria. The summit convened anti-human trafficking practitioners, organizations, faith-based institutions, government representatives, and other key stakeholders from across Africa to strengthen collaboration and reaffirm a shared commitment to ending human trafficking.
Guided by the theme, “Inclusive Strategies for Ending Human Trafficking: Reaching the Most Marginalized,” the summit brought together diverse voices to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen collaborative efforts in the fight against human trafficking. Through interactive discussions and learning sessions, participants explored practical and inclusive strategies for preventing trafficking, protecting vulnerable communities and upholding the dignity, freedom and human rights of every person.
Talitha Kum Kenya’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to building strong regional and continental partnerships, sharing knowledge and contributing to coordinated efforts to prevent human trafficking, protect survivors and advocate for human dignity.
As we continue working alongside partners across Africa, we remain steadfast in our mission of restoring hope, promoting justice and mapping the journey to freedom.
Talitha Kum Kenya continues to invest in strong leadership and meaningful action in the fight against human trafficking. In June 2026, Sr. Mercy Mwayi, Director of Talitha Kum Kenya, participated in the in-person phase of the 6th Talitha Kum Leadership Training Course held in Bangkok, Thailand, joining 28 Talitha Kum members from 23 countries after six months of online preparation.
The training provided a rich platform for learning, exchange and collaboration, with a focus on leadership, public speaking, advocacy for systemic transformation and networking. Participants were also guided in developing anti-human trafficking projects that can be implemented within their local contexts.
This global learning experience strengthens Talitha Kum Kenya’s commitment to building capacity, deepening partnerships and advancing efforts to prevent human trafficking, protect survivors and uphold the dignity of every person.
Talitha Kum Kenya continues to invest in strong leadership and meaningful action in the fight against human trafficking. In June 2026, Sr. Mercy Mwayi, Director of Talitha Kum Kenya, participated in the in-person phase of the 6th Talitha Kum Leadership Training Course held in Bangkok, Thailand, joining 28 Talitha Kum members from 23 countries after six months of online preparation.
The training provided a rich platform for learning, exchange and collaboration, with a focus on leadership, public speaking, advocacy for systemic transformation and networking. Participants were also guided in developing anti-human trafficking projects that can be implemented within their local contexts.
This global learning experience strengthens Talitha Kum Kenya’s commitment to building capacity, deepening partnerships and advancing efforts to prevent human trafficking, protect survivors and uphold the dignity of every person.
