The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has confirmed that 64 Kenyans rescued from forced labor in Myanmar will soon return home.
The group is currently at the Thai-Myanmar border, awaiting clearance to cross into Thailand.
According to a government statement released on March 2, these individuals face delays due to Thailand’s continued border closure since February 12, 2025. This closure came after the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) handed over 260 foreign victims of human trafficking, including 24 Kenyans, to the Royal Thai Army.
Kenya’s Ambassador in Thailand constantly communicates with the affected citizens, updating them on government efforts to ensure their safe return. The Kenyan government is negotiating with Thai authorities to reopen the border on humanitarian grounds.
The 64 Kenyans are among over 7,000 foreigners rescued by DKBA and the Border Guard Force (BGF). The victims hailed from over 30 nations and were trafficked to Myanmar in late 2024. Many were coerced into cybercrimes, including identity theft, phishing, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud.
The rescued individuals remain in makeshift military camps within Myanmar’s Karen State, where they face harsh conditions, including inadequate medical care, sanitation, electricity, and clean water. Meanwhile, Kenya is exploring alternative repatriation routes.
This development follows the February 19 rescue of 46 Kenyans and the February 8 escape of four others into Thailand, where they received aid from local civilians before being handed over to security authorities.
The government urges Kenyans to verify overseas job opportunities through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and only use licensed recruitment agencies listed on www.neaims.so.ke.
