Sixty-four Kenyans who were freed from human trafficking compounds in Myanmar are unable to leave Karen State due to a border closure that has been in effect since February 12, 2025. The group was among over 7,000 foreign nationals trapped in the region, where they were rescued by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Border Guard Force (BGF).
Despite their rescue, the individuals remain stuck at makeshift military camps with inadequate access to food, medical care, clean water, and electricity. The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is working closely with Thai authorities to facilitate their entry into Thailand on humanitarian grounds for repatriation.
“The Government of Kenya is in consultation with the Thai Government to have the border crossing re-opened on humanitarian grounds to allow the rescued nationals entry into Thai territory and repatriation to Kenya,” the ministry stated.
Efforts to bring the Kenyans home involve collaboration between the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok, HAART Kenya, and other agencies. The government is also considering alternative evacuation routes.
Authorities have urged Kenyans seeking job opportunities abroad to verify employment offers through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and only engage with licensed recruitment agencies to avoid human trafficking risks.