Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW has called for intensified public awareness campaigns and community empowerment initiatives to curb the growing menace of trafficking in persons, warning that the crime continues to evolve and expand due to inadequate public knowledge and the increasing use of technology by criminal networks.
Speaking during a meeting with Marco Bufo, Regional Coordinator for CIVIPOL, a technical cooperation agency under the French Ministry of the Interior, Ingonga emphasized that greater investment in civic education and public sensitization is essential to prevent vulnerable individuals from falling prey to traffickers.
“The fight against trafficking in persons cannot be won through prosecutions alone. We must empower communities with the knowledge to recognize the warning signs, understand the tactics used by traffickers, and know where to seek help. Public awareness remains one of our strongest tools in preventing this crime,” said Ingonga.
He noted that trafficking in persons has become increasingly sophisticated, with criminal syndicates exploiting digital platforms and emerging technologies to recruit, deceive and exploit victims across borders.
“As technology advances, so do the methods employed by traffickers. This calls for innovative responses, stronger partnerships and sustained public education to ensure our communities are not left vulnerable,” he added.
Ingonga commended CIVIPOL for its continued technical support to the ODPP, describing the partnership as instrumental in enhancing Kenya’s prosecutorial response to trafficking-related offences.
“We appreciate CIVIPOL’s unwavering support in strengthening the capacity of our prosecutors and fostering collaboration among agencies involved in the fight against trafficking in persons. Such partnerships are critical in ensuring effective investigations, successful prosecutions and ultimately justice for victims,” he said.
Marco Bufo reaffirmed CIVIPOL’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s efforts to combat trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, noting that the transnational nature of the crimes requires sustained cooperation among governments, law enforcement agencies and international partners.
“Trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants are complex crimes that transcend national borders. Addressing them effectively requires strong institutions, well-trained prosecutors, coordinated regional action and informed communities. CIVIPOL remains committed to working closely with the ODPP and other stakeholders to strengthen these capacities,” Bufo said.
He noted that building resilient institutions and promoting knowledge-sharing among criminal justice actors are key to dismantling trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable populations.
Through its partnership with the ODPP, CIVIPOL has supported a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing Kenya’s response to trafficking in persons. These include capacity-building programmes for prosecutors handling trafficking-related cases, cross-border and multi-agency simulation exercises, the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, facilitation of regional cooperation forums, and the production of information, education and communication materials to strengthen public awareness on counter-trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants.
The meeting focused on strengthening the longstanding collaboration between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and CIVIPOL in combating trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants through enhanced institutional capacity, regional cooperation and coordinated law enforcement efforts.
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