From Myanmar to Malaysia: Has the Trap for Kenyan Job Seekers Simply Moved?

Just a few months ago, Kenyans were shaken by the stories of young men and women who travelled to Thailand in search of work, only to be smuggled into Myanmar and forced to operate online scamming centers. In March and April 2025, more than a hundred Kenyans were repatriated from those harsh conditions. Families welcomed them back with tears of relief, but also with painful questions. How could this happen? Could it have been prevented?