Security agencies urged to dismantle child trafficking networks targeting students
Recruiters lure youth with promises of better opportunities and a brighter future in Europe, but many end up trapped in Libya, where traffickers demand huge ransom payments
Security agencies have been urged to intensify efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks targeting school-going children, particularly in North Eastern region.
The traffickers have been blamed for the growing number of teenagers who disappear from their communities only to resurface in Libya, where they are reportedly held captive and subjected to abuse.
The syndicates known as Tahrib, use social media platforms such as WhatsApp and TikTok to lure vulnerable young, unemployed Kenyans and refugees, with promises of better opportunities and a brighter future in Europe. However, many end up trapped in Libya, where traffickers demand huge ransom payments from their families in exchange for their freedom.
Garissa Sub-County Education Officer Nasteha Ali raised concern over the alarming trend, saying child trafficking has become a major threat to learners and requires a coordinated response from all stakeholders.
Speaking on Tuesday, June 16, during celebrations to mark the International Day of the African Child at Iftin Primary School in Garissa, Nasteha called on security agencies, religious leaders, teachers and parents to intensify awareness campaigns to curb what she described as a growing crisis targeting teenagers.
"Our children are being taken away by people who are perhaps child traffickers in the name of seeking greener pastures. Our youth and school-going children are suffering. We have seen on social media children being beaten while their parents are being asked to pay ransoms of up to Sh3 million," she said.
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Nasteha also appealed to students to remain vigilant and immediately report anyone attempting to lure them with promises of jobs or opportunities abroad to security agencies and education officials.
"This is very concerning to us. I want to ask all stakeholders, including the police, religious leaders, civil society and parents, to remain vigilant so that we can protect our children," she added.
Her remarks come amid growing concern following the circulation of distressing videos on social media showing three Grade 10 girls from Iftin Primary and Junior Secondary School allegedly being held captive in Libya by traffickers locally referred to as "Magafes." In the videos, the girls appealed to their families to urgently raise ransom money to secure their release.
Garissa Township Sub-County Administrator Shahia Hambe echoed the concerns, urging young people to be cautious and avoid accompanying strangers who may attempt to entice them with promises of a better life.
"Girls from this school were taken to Libya. We have seen them on social media being tortured, and that is why we are here today to commemorate this day with you and remind you not to follow strangers," Shahia said.
"This is your time to study. The time to look for jobs and work will come later. For now, your responsibility is to focus on your education and listen to your parents and teachers," she added.
