A growing human trafficking and overseas job scam crisis has left hundreds of Kenyans stranded in foreign countries, with 39 currently serving jail terms in Myanmar after being linked to illegal online operations.
Fresh details from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs show that at least 357 Kenyans escaped from scam compounds in Myanmar between October 2025 and January 2026, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Of these, 253 have since been repatriated, while dozens remain caught up in legal and humanitarian distress.
Kenyans who were rescued from Myanmar arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on April 5, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
The government confirmed that the 39 Kenyans now imprisoned were arrested following a military raid on an illegal scam operation and later charged under Myanmar’s immigration laws for unlawful entry and involvement in online fraud.
“The 39 Kenyan nationals were formally processed through the Myanmar justice system. They were charged under the 1947 Myanmar Immigration Act paragraph 13(1) for illegal entry, and committing illegal online scamming work against Myanmar law. The 39 were imprisoned at HPA-AN Prison which is located very deep in Myanmar, the area is controlled by militias hence not safe for the officers," said Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Moscow in an Interview with Nation.
"However, the Mission has partnered with an NGO that has local presence in Myanmar and consists of employees who assists in providing essentials to the 39, and updates on their welfare. The Organisation also facilitates communication between the next of kin and the detainees through letters.
“Currently, the 39 Kenyans are serving a one-year sentence, after which we expect deportation process to be activated. In case the authorities in Myanmar agree to extend amnesty for early release, the families will be notified in due time,” he added.
Mr Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, said the crisis is being fuelled by rogue recruitment agents who lure job seekers with promises of lucrative opportunities abroad, only for them to end up in exploitative scam networks.
Evacuees return to Myanmar
Preliminary investigations indicate that many of the victims travelled through irregular routes, including via Malaysia, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia, in an attempt to evade scrutiny at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Mr Mudavadi noted that some individuals who had previously been rescued and repatriated later returned to the scam operations and were even used by traffickers to recruit friends, relatives and neighbours.
“The government has observed a worrying trend where Kenyans undermine official advisories and end up in difficult circumstances, including scam compounds. The Government has also observed that some individuals presenting themselves as victims had in fact been rescued in earlier repatriation efforts and subsequently sneaked back to the scam compounds through irregular channels. Disturbingly, these individuals were then used by traffickers to recruit within their own circles—including friends, relatives, and even neighbours,” the CS said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since arrested several suspects linked to the illegal recruitment networks, with some cases already before court as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government says it is maintaining diplomatic engagement with Myanmar authorities to ensure the welfare of the detained nationals. However, access to the prisoners remains limited due to the remote and insecure location of the prison, which is controlled by militias.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shakes hands with Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi during a press conference following their talks in Moscow, Russia, March 16, 2026.
Photo credit: Reuters
“The Embassy in Bangkok engaged the Embassy of Myanmar in Bangkok seeking clearance for the repatriation of the 39. Initially, the Embassy got the greenlight to repatriate them but later on January 7th, the 39 were transferred and detained at Hpa-An Prison. Upon following up on their status, on 19th January, the Embassy was instructed by Myanmar authorities to arrange for their repatriation,” Mr Mudavadi said.
“However, on January 30th the Embassy received a note verbal from the embassy of
Myanmar in Bangkok informing that the authorities at Hpa-An Prison had on January 21st taken them to court and charged them for illegal entry, and perpetuating illegal scamming online work. They were slapped with a one- year jail term with labour. Myanmar is known to extend amnesty to prisoners during public holidays, “ Mr Mudavadi added.
