Enforcement Challenges in Addressing Migrant Smuggling Into Kenya- a Case of Moyale Border

Abstract

Moyale border has been identified as a hotspot for human smuggling. Majority of irregular migrants travelling south are said to be smuggled into Kenya through Moyale. This research takes a case study approach to getting a detailed understanding of the challenges encountered and the measures in addressing migrant smuggling at Moyale border from the enforcement point of view. Primary data was collected by interviewing key informants including high ranking officials at policy level at the Directorate of Immigration headquarters, former and current Immigration and Police officials working at Moyale border and Investigations officials from the Directorate of Immigration Services. The migration industry theory offers opportunity for a deeper conceptualization of the irregular migration phenomenon and the particular challenges encountered by enforcement officials in combating migrant smuggling at Moyale border. The findings reveal the presence of factors that are particular to Moyale border such as the vastness and porosity of the border, language barrier and the lack of translators, insecurity resulting from inter-communal conflicts, and local communities that are economically dependent on migrant smuggling and therefore engaged in facilitating the illicit trade. There are also factors that may not be specific to the border including inadequate government investment in strengthening the border control and posting of officials to far flung borders as punishment rather than normal posting which may be an underlying factor for corruption and persistence of migrant smuggling. The findings of this research fill a particular gap in understanding why migrant smuggling has persisted at Moyale border. The study also offers an opportunity for reflection by policy makers to inform and guide future policy.