Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has called for enhanced regional collaboration to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, warning that criminal networks operating across the Horn of Africa are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to dismantle.
Speaking during the opening of the Regional Conference on Counter-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in the Horn of Africa, Ingonga said governments and justice institutions must adopt a united and coordinated approach to address the growing threat posed by transnational criminal organisations.
Human trafficking and migrant smuggling remain among the most pressing challenges facing the region, exploiting vulnerable populations, violating human rights, and undermining economic and social development.
Need for Cross-Border Cooperation
Ingonga noted that criminal syndicates involved in trafficking and smuggling operate across multiple jurisdictions, making it difficult for individual countries to tackle the problem independently.
“The fight against human trafficking requires a collective response that transcends borders and institutional mandates,” he said.
“Criminal networks are constantly adapting their methods, and our response must be equally dynamic, coordinated and robust.”
He stressed the importance of stronger cooperation among governments, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, migration authorities and international partners to improve investigations, prosecutions and victim support mechanisms.
Regional Stakeholders Gather to Share Solutions
The conference has brought together policymakers, prosecutors, investigators, migration experts and representatives from international organisations across the Horn of Africa to discuss emerging trafficking trends and develop practical solutions.
Participants are expected to exchange experiences, assess evolving trafficking patterns and identify opportunities to strengthen regional partnerships in tackling the crimes.
The meeting comes at a time when migration routes across the Horn of Africa continue to expose thousands of people to exploitation by traffickers and smugglers who prey on individuals seeking employment opportunities, safety and better living conditions.
Protecting Victims and Strengthening Justice Systems
According to Ingonga, addressing human trafficking requires a comprehensive strategy that combines prevention, enforcement, victim protection and intelligence sharing among countries.
He emphasized that stronger legal and institutional frameworks are essential in disrupting criminal networks and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice.
The conference will also focus on improving mechanisms for identifying trafficking victims, enhancing protection services and strengthening prosecution efforts against offenders.
Delegates are expected to develop recommendations aimed at improving coordination among regional agencies and reinforcing efforts to combat trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Horn of Africa Remains a Key Migration Corridor
The Horn of Africa remains one of the continent’s busiest migration corridors, with many migrants undertaking perilous journeys through multiple countries in search of economic opportunities and security.
Experts have warned that traffickers and smugglers often exploit migrants during these journeys, exposing them to forced labour, sexual exploitation, extortion and other forms of abuse.
The growing complexity of these criminal networks has prompted governments and international organisations to intensify efforts aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and improving responses to trafficking-related crimes.
Kenya Reaffirms Commitment
Ingonga reiterated Kenya’s commitment to working closely with regional and international partners to curb human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
He said the country remains focused on enhancing cooperation, improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms and strengthening prosecution efforts to ensure offenders are held accountable.
At the same time, he underscored the need to prioritise victim-centred approaches that provide protection, rehabilitation and support for survivors.
“Effective collaboration among countries is critical in dismantling these networks and protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation,” Ingonga said.
The conference is expected to conclude with a framework of recommendations to guide future regional cooperation, strengthen justice systems and enhance the protection of trafficking victims across the Horn of Africa.
