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{
    "id": 1524214,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1524214/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 151,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominated, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Irene Mayaka",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations regarding the safety and security of Kenyans stranded in Myanmar. Since 2022, hundreds of Kenyans have fallen victim to an elaborate human trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of lucrative jobs offered in Thailand. Many are lured with promises of employment as customer service agents, drivers, and waiters, among others. However, upon arrival in Bangkok and Thailand, they are kidnapped and transported to the border town of Mae Sot, from where they are smuggled into Myanmar. Once they are there, victims are subjected to forced labour, coercion and criminal activities, including sophisticated online scams targeting individuals globally, including in Kenya. While there has been a rescue of over 7,000 foreigners, many persons, including a significant number of Kenyans remain trapped and are unable to cross back into Thailand due to the closed border. The conditions at these borders are dire, as they lack basic necessities such as food, water and sanitation facilities. The security situation is volatile. The issue of human trafficking of Kenyans in Myanmar is not new. Its persistence highlights the need for lasting measures. It is against this background that I request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the following: 1. Status of Kenyans currently stranded in Myanmar, and especially those currently stranded at the Myanmar-Thailand border, including the number of Kenyans affected, the current security situations and timelines for their repatriation. 2. The immediate action being taken by the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to engage with the Government of Thailand in rescuing Kenyans stranded at the Myanmar-Thailand border. 3. Measures taken by the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to engage with the Government of Thailand in addressing the issue of human trafficking, including cooperation strategies and stringent border control measures to prevent further trafficking of Kenyans. 4. Report of the status of investigation by the Director of Criminal Investigations into human trafficking networks in Kenya operated by fraudulent employment agencies. 5. Steps taken by the Government to educate the youth about human trafficking, specifically sensitising them on verifying recruitment agencies before seeking employment abroad. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}