The 2026 Freedom from Slavery Global Forum in Nairobi heard that approximately 269,000 Kenyans are living in modern slavery. This figure is based on data from the Global Slavery Index 2023, which estimates that five in every 1,000 people in Kenya are in modern slavery. The forum brought together various stakeholders to discuss the issue of modern slavery and potential solutions.
Kenya's National Council on Children's Services has separately estimated that around 17,500 Kenyans are trafficked each year, with roughly half of them likely to be minors. This highlights the vulnerability of children and the need for targeted interventions to prevent trafficking. The issue of modern slavery and human trafficking is complex and multifaceted.
Globally, about 50 million people were in modern slavery in 2021, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The numbers keep rising, and experts point to poverty, climate change, migration, and the misuse of technology as key drivers. East Africa's role as a migration hub increases exposure to exploitation.
Bukeni Waruzi of Free the Slaves noted that no single actor can tackle the problem of modern slavery alone. He emphasized the need for collaboration and a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of modern slavery. Waruzi also highlighted that the global figure of 50 million people in modern slavery is likely an undercount.
John Richmond, a former US Ambassador-at-Large on trafficking, stated that trafficking earns criminals around $236 billion a year while carrying little risk of punishment. He noted that traffickers are using the Internet and generative AI to facilitate their activities. However, Richmond also emphasized that the same tools can be used to identify offenders, find victims, and strengthen investigations.
The Kenyan government has taken steps to address modern slavery, including joining the Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Countries in 2024. Artlibert Makori of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection said the country is working on stronger labour inspection, social protection, responsible business conduct, and access to justice. Kenya is also strengthening bilateral labour agreements with destination countries.
Survivor leadership was a central theme at the forum, with Shamere McKenzie, co-chair of the forum and CEO of Sun Gate Foundation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing survivors as experts. The forum committed to sharing power and opening doors for survivors to shape policy. The two-day forum covered various topics, including responsible supply chains and technology-facilitated trafficking.
Key points
- An estimated 269,000 people in Kenya live in modern slavery.
- Poverty, climate change, migration, and misuse of technology are key drivers of modern slavery.
- The global figure of 50 million people in modern slavery is likely an undercount.
