Date of publication:
01/08/2026
Kenya
Do domestic laws and policies establish measures to provide protection and assistance to victims of trafficking?
Assessment by population
Analysis
Kenya has implemented strong legal and policy measures to prevent and respond to human trafficking, violence, and exploitation of forcibly displaced and stateless persons, aligning with international anti-trafficking frameworks. The government works closely with law enforcement agencies, border control authorities, and international organizations to combat trafficking networks, smuggling operations, and labor exploitation. Public awareness campaigns and specialized anti-trafficking units enhance the identification and rescue of victims, while safe houses, rehabilitation programs, and legal aid services provide long-term support. Within refugee-hosting areas, community policing initiatives and protection services are in place to monitor and address threats of exploitation, sexual abuse, and forced labor. Law enforcement agencies are required to investigate and prosecute perpetrators, ensuring that victims receive justice and necessary protection services.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
The Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act
- Year: 2010
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Liberty & security of person, Social protection
- Link to external source: https://www.kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/Counter-TraffickinginPersonsAct_No8of2010.pdf
Legal provision
Section 3 - Offense and Penalties for Trafficking:
A person who trafficks another person, for the purpose of exploitation, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than thirty years or to a fine of not less than thirty million shillings or to both and upon subsequent conviction, to imprisonment for life.
Section 14 - Protection from Prosecution:
A victim of trafficking in persons shall not be criminally liable for any offence related to being in Kenya illegally or for any criminal act that was a direct result of being trafficked.
The Refugee Act
- Year: 2021
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Liberty & security of person, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/2021/en/124231?prevDestination=search&prevPath=/search?keywords=refugee+act&order=desc&sm_country_name%5B%5D=Kenya&sort=score&result=result-124231-en
Legal provision
Section 3.1 - Meaning of a refugee.
A person shall be a refugee for the purposes of this Act if— (a) owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, that person is outside the country of nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country.
Section 16 - Rights and Duties of Recognized Refugees
Recognized refugees are entitled to rights outlined in international conventions and protocols to which Kenya is a party, as well as rights under Kenyan law. They are required to abide by the laws and regulations of Kenya and respect measures taken for the maintenance of public order. This provision ensures that recognized refugees are
National Policy for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence
- Year: 2014
- Type: Domestic policy
- Rights Category: Health, Liberty & security of person, Social protection
- Link to external source: https://www.gender.go.ke/sites/default/files/publications/National-Policy-on-prevention-and-Response-to-GBV.pdf
Legal provision
National Policy for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence, 2014 - Generic
National Policy for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence, 2014 - Generic