119 Kenyans Repatriated From Myanmar as 198 Still Await Return
News Updated: 22 December 2025 18:24 EAT
The Kenyan government has confirmed the successful repatriation of 119 Kenyan nationals from Myanmar, following coordinated efforts involving Kenyan diplomatic missions and authorities in Southeast Asia. The update was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said the returnees had been trapped in scam and human-trafficking operations in the volatile Myanmar–Thailand border region.
Despite the progress, the ministry said 198 Kenyans are still awaiting repatriation. Of these, 66 are currently being held at Thailand’s Immigration Detention Centre, while 129 are in Myanmar, sheltered in facilities run by local authorities as arrangements for their return continue. The government noted that the process has been slowed by security challenges and logistical constraints in the conflict-affected areas.
According to the ministry, many of the affected Kenyans were lured to Southeast Asia through fraudulent job offers, only to be forced into online scam operations under harsh conditions. Regional crackdowns on criminal syndicates have led to the rescue of hundreds of foreign nationals, including Kenyans, from these compounds in recent months.
The government has reiterated that Kenyan embassies, particularly in Bangkok, are working closely with host authorities to process travel documents, coordinate safe passage, and facilitate flights back home. Officials, however, warned that some cases are complicated by the fact that several victims entered the host countries on tourist visas, which do not permit employment.
Upon return, repatriated Kenyans are being received by local authorities for documentation, counselling and support, while investigators gather information that could help dismantle the transnational criminal networks involved. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has once again urged Kenyans seeking jobs abroad to verify employment opportunities through official channels to avoid falling victim to trafficking and exploitation.
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FELIX MAKONA
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