Kenya Airways (KQ) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have joined forces to combat human trafficking and facilitate legal migration pathways.
The partnership will see Kenya Airways receive specialized training and expertise from IOM, equipping the airline to identify and prevent human trafficking within its operations.
The collaboration comes at a crucial time, with the government reporting 90 cases of human trafficking in 2022, though experts believe the true number is much higher due to the clandestine nature of the crime.
“In Africa, we have a vast youth population, often unemployed or underemployed,” highlighted Dimanche Sharon, IOM Kenya Chief of Mission. “Meanwhile, destination countries face aging populations and labor shortages. This partnership offers a win-win situation, allowing for safe and regulated migration pathways.”
Kenya Airways CEO, Allan Kilavuka, emphasized the airline’s critical role in the fight against human trafficking: “As Kenya Airways, we transport 5 million people annually. It’s essential we ensure their safe, secure, and dignified movement.”
“We’ve witnessed instances of undocumented immigrants and individuals traveling without dignity. This memorandum of understanding enables us to work collaboratively to ensure safe and dignified travel for all,” Kilavuka added.
The partnership is expected to enhance awareness and training among Kenya Airways staff, strengthening their ability to detect and prevent human trafficking. It also aims to promote legal migration channels, empowering individuals to pursue opportunities safely and responsibly.