KQ, IOM sign MoU to combat trafficking and promote regular pathways

Kenya Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Kenya to combat trafficking and promote regular pathways.

IOM Kenya Chief of Mission Sharon Dimanche and Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka signed the MoU on Friday at IOM offices in Lavington.

Dimanche said the signing of an MOU with the national carrier sets the standards in the aviation industry and will see other airlines emulate.

“IOM will help to capacity build staff and airlines in Kenya,” Dimanche said.

The collaboration brings together IOM Kenya’s experts in the fields of migrant protection and labour mobility, and Kenya Airways, which carries over 5 million passengers across Africa and around the world each year, to over 45 destinations. 

Kenya is a source, transit, and destination country with over one million international migrants and over half a million registered asylum seekers and refugees.

The signing of the MoU comes at a time when many people especially the youth are looking for employment in far-flung countries.

Dimanche said there is a need for measures to be put in place with a view of identifying red flags for the vulnerable migrants that can be exploited.

She narrated how she encountered a migrant who was going to Lebanon to secure job opportunities before ending up being exploited.

Dimanche said she later learnt that the passport for the lady had been confiscated by her exploiter.

The migrant was later helped to return to the country following the distress call.

Dimanche said the MOU will now ensure that there is a safe life and facilitate regular pathways for migrants.

“If we have knowledge and skills, we can identify and offer support before migrants are exploited,” she said adding that the move will ensure orderly, safe and regular movement of people.

Dimanche said human trafficking is done clandestinely, and getting the number of people affected is hard.

She said there were 90 cases identified in 2022.

Kilavuka said Kenya Airways moves 5 million people each year to 45 routes.

“We are the first Airline to do it {sign MOU} globally. We are trailblazing,” Kilavuka said.

Kilavuka said they will help pass the information to other airlines as well as associations.

Kenya Airways Manager for Quality Control and Integrity Adelaide Amaro said they were trained in 2021 on how to develop a policy on human trafficking.

“We reached out to the UN for guidance. International Civil Aviation Organization came up with a plan and policy. They guided us. They also introduced us to The International Air Transport Association,” Amaro said.

Amaro added:

“I have spent time with the victims and survivors and I know how they feel.”