Kenya
A Child Trafficking Hotspot
The coast of Kenya, particularly in areas like Mombasa and Diani Beach, is not only a popular destination for tourists, but also a hub for a dark and devastating industry: child sex trafficking. This crime often intersects with sex tourism, where traffickers exploit vulnerable people for sexual purposes, primarily to satisfy the demand from foreign tourists. While sex tourism plays a role in creating and increasing the demand for child sex trafficking, it's also important to note that the majority of the buyers are Kenyan locals and tourists.
Traffickers exploit children in private villas and vacation homes to avoid detection by law enforcement, making it difficult for authorities to intervene. Children from poor families are particularly vulnerable, often groomed and manipulated by those they trust, including family members. This makes it even harder for victims to speak out, as they fear bringing shame upon their families and communities.
Our Solution: Building the Capacity of Local NGOs
The fight against child trafficking on the coast of Kenya is not just about enforcing laws but also about addressing the deep-rooted social and economic issues that make children vulnerable to exploitation. We have an opportunity to partner with James127, a local Kenyan NGO that is providing vocational training to at-risk girls and women.We will be collaborating to create a more robust training program that will include personal and professional development for vulnerable young mothers.