64 Kenyans rescued from human trafficking stranded at Thai-Myanmar border
The individuals were freed by two armed groups, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Border Guard Force (BGF), but are still unable to cross into Thailand for their onward repatriation due to the closed border.
Sixty-four Kenyans are currently stranded at the Thai-Myanmar border, awaiting safe passage into Thailand after being rescued from human trafficking compounds in Myanmar.
The group, part of a larger cohort of over 7,000 foreign nationals, has been trapped in makeshift camps in Karen State due to a border closure that has been in effect since February 12, 2025.
The individuals were freed by two armed groups, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Border Guard Force (BGF), but are still unable to cross into Thailand for their onward repatriation due to the closed border.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, through its State Department for Diaspora Affairs, has been in close communication with the affected Kenyans, with the Kenyan Ambassador in Thailand providing daily updates on efforts to facilitate their safe return.
"The Government of Kenya is in consultation with the Thai Government to have the border crossing re-opened on humanitarian grounds to allow the rescued nationals entry into Thai territory and repatriation to Kenya," said the Ministry.
"The situation in the makeshift military camps in Karen State, where the rescued nationals are being held, remains dire, with a lack of access to medical facilities, clean water, electricity, and sanitation. Over 7,000 victims, from more than 30 nationalities, include individuals from as far as South America."
In response, the Government of Kenya is exploring alternative routes to repatriate its citizens, with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs leading a multi-agency team.
The government has partnered with the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok and HAART Kenya to finalise logistical arrangements for the safe return of the Kenyans.
"The Government of Kenya continues to make all necessary efforts to extract its nationals from difficult circumstances and situations; these efforts have been witnessed in Libya, South Sudan, Sudan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Israel, and other parts of the world, in line with its fundamental duty to protect the rights and welfare of Kenyans wherever they are," said the Ministry.
Kenyans are advised to verify online job advertisements through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and to work only with recruitment agencies that are registered and licensed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.1
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