Concerns over human trafficking have taken centre stage in Garissa following reports that children and teenagers from the county are being lured out of the country with promises of jobs and opportunities, only to find themselves trapped in criminal networks that subject them to abuse, kidnapping and ransom demands.
The issue gained renewed attention after the disappearance of three students from Iftin Comprehensive School. This case sparked concern across the country after videos allegedly showing the girls in captivity circulated on social media. The footage reportedly depicted the students being tortured while their captors demanded money from their families in exchange for their release.
According to security sources, the case reflects a growing trend in which young people are persuaded to leave their homes with assurances of employment and a better life abroad. Investigations indicate that traffickers often target youths who are eager to seek opportunities outside Kenya and convince them that travel arrangements can be made at little or no cost.
The victims are then allegedly moved through several countries, including Sudan, before eventually reaching Libya. Once there, many are reportedly handed over to criminal groups that contact family members and demand large sums of money as ransom.
Authorities say determining the full extent of the problem has been difficult because many families do not report such incidents to law enforcement agencies. Security officials believe that the absence of formal complaints has limited efforts to establish the number of victims and identify those responsible for the trafficking networks.
The growing threat was among the issues highlighted during activities held in Garissa to mark the Day of the African Child, where government officials and community leaders called for increased vigilance to protect children and young people from exploitation.
Speaking during the event, Garissa Sub-County Principal Education Officer Nasteha Sheikh urged parents, religious leaders, elders and government institutions to work together to address the problem and prevent more children from falling victim to traffickers.
“Our children are being taken away by people who are maybe child traffickers in the name of migrating to greener pastures, where our youth and school-going children are suffering. We have seen on social media children being beaten and their parents being asked for ransoms of up to sh 3 million. The parents are poor already, coming from humble backgrounds, and cannot afford it," Nasteha said.
She said many families whose children have fallen into the hands of traffickers are unable to raise the money demanded for their release, leaving them in difficult situations as they seek help.
“This is something affecting us, and I want to urge all leaders, religious leaders, government officials, parents and responsible citizens to be very vigilant so that our children can be safe as we work together to protect them,” she added.
Garissa Township Sub-County Administrator Shahia Hambe also addressed students during the commemoration and warned them against trusting strangers who offer opportunities away from home without involving their families.
Referring to the case of the missing students, Hambe reminded learners of the risks of accepting promises from people they do not know.
“Girls were taken from this school and were taken to Libya. We have seen them on social media being tortured, and that is why we are here to commemorate this day with you and tell you not to follow strangers,” Shahia said.
He encouraged students to concentrate on their studies and avoid making decisions that could place them at risk. He said education should remain their main focus until they complete their schooling.
“This is your time to study. A time to look for jobs and work will come, but at the moment, your work is to study hard and listen to your parents and teachers,” she added.
Leaders in Garissa are now calling for stronger awareness campaigns and closer cooperation between schools, parents, community leaders and security agencies. They say collective action will be necessary to stop trafficking networks from targeting vulnerable children and youths and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
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