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.
