The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has confirmed that 64 Kenyans, who were rescued from forced labor in Myanmar, are on the path to returning to their homeland. Currently, these individuals are at the Thai-Myanmar border, awaiting clearance to cross into Thailand.
According to a statement from the government issued on March 2, the repatriation process has been delayed due to the ongoing closure of Thailand’s border, which has been in effect since February 12, 2025. This decision followed the handover of 260 foreign human trafficking victims, including 24 Kenyans, by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) to the Royal Thai Army. Kenya’s Ambassador to Thailand is in regular contact with the affected citizens, keeping them informed about the government’s efforts to facilitate their safe return. The Kenyan government is also in talks with Thai authorities to reopen the border for humanitarian purposes.
The 64 Kenyans are part of a larger group of over 7,000 foreign victims who were rescued by the DKBA and the Border Guard Force (BGF). These individuals, trafficked to Myanmar in late 2024, hail from more than 30 countries. Many of them were forced into illegal activities, including cybercrime operations such as identity theft, phishing, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud.
The rescued individuals are currently being held in temporary military camps located in Myanmar’s Karen State. The conditions within these camps are harsh, with insufficient medical care, poor sanitation, lack of electricity, and limited access to clean water. In response, the Kenyan government is actively exploring alternative options to facilitate their safe return.
This news follows earlier rescue efforts in February 2025, when 46 Kenyans were freed on February 19, and four others managed to escape Myanmar on February 8. The latter group received assistance from Thai civilians before being handed over to local security forces.
The Kenyan government continues to prioritize the safe repatriation of its citizens, negotiating with relevant authorities to ensure that these victims return home swiftly and safely.
About The Author
