By Sr Joan Nyakato, Servants of the Holy Innocent Sisters
After pursuing a diploma in accounting, 26-year Clever dreamed of finding a job that would
support her family. But in Timau, a small town at the border of Laikipia and Meru counties in
Kenya, such employment opportunities are scarce, except for a few positions in the
surrounding flower farms.
One day Clever’s friend Anne viewed the status of another friend that stated, “Are you looking
for a job to work as an accountant at Wilson Airport? Contact 07……. For more information.”
Anne excitedly broke this good news to Clever since she knew she had spent a lot of time
searching for a job. Clever contacted the given number and the call was received by Peter who
convinced them that the job would be a life-changing opportunity; her accommodation, food,
and transportation would be provided.
Peter sent to her a list of documents that were required for the job including: a certificate of
good conduct, a medical certificate, curriculum vitae, KCSE certificate, a photocopy of the
national Identity Card and several other supporting documents.
When Clever saw the list, she was very worried about how she would get some of the
documents. In a while Peter rang to inquire whether she had challenges getting any of the
documents. Clever responded that it was not easy to get some of the documents and
immediately Peter told her that he had good connections who could quicken the
documentation if she paid KES 15,000.
Believing this was her chance to lift her family out of poverty, Clever put together all the money
she had, borrowed some from her friends and sent the whole amount to Peter
Upon receiving the money Peter assured Clever that within a day he would have arranged her
travel to Nairobi for the new Job. In the evening of that same day Peter called again, saying he
had some struggles with one of the documents, and that he needed more money to complete
the process.
Clever was so excited that she went on borrowing more money from friends, assured of settling
all the debts once she started working. Within hours she sent Peter the KES 5,000 he had
requested. Immediately after, Peter called again, this time asking for KES 2,000Ksh for his transport costs.
Clever became upset and told him that she had no other money as she had even borrowed
from her friends. Peter, who had previously been calm and polite suddenly became arrogant.
He told Clever that she was a fool and he blocked her number.
It was at that point that Clever realized that she had fallen victim to a fraudulent recruitment
scheme: she had been conned. She got very upset and depressed and is now on her treatment
journey to overcome the shock and trauma.
Although Clever can never erase the painful memory of being exploited, she is transforming her
experience into a positive mission of protecting others by telling her story.
Hers is a powerful reminder that human trafficking can begin even with promises of
employment, where the recruiters prey on people’s desire for a better life. Proceeding further
with the process could have easily left her vulnerable and exposed to trafficking.
Human trafficking can affect anyone, regardless of age or education, but poverty,
unemployment, lack of information, and unequal opportunities increase vulnerability.
Traffickers frequently use deception by promising attractive jobs, education and victims may
experience forced labor, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, or other forms of abuse.
By recognizing the warning signs and reporting suspicious activities, individuals and
communities can help prevent human trafficking and protect vulnerable people.