The Impact of Human Trafficking on Human Security in Africa: Case Study of Kenya Uganda, Busia Border

Abstract

Human Trafficking and activities around it are an ancient global problem. The menacing challenges of this vice are felt by all countries worldwide. Classified under one of the core threats that is dehumanizing, trafficking in human beings is a heinous breach of rights of individual persons which impacts individuals from all over the world, regardless of location, ethnicity, or religion. This study examines human Trafficking's influence on public safety in Africa: an example of the Kenya-Uganda Busia border. The study will be driven by three key objectives to investigate the factors underlying the growing instances of African human Trafficking, to examine and analyze the implications of human Trafficking on human security in Kenya Uganda Busia border, and finally to evaluate the efficacy of the existing In Kenyan a legislative framework in place to address human trafficking as well as its consequences for public safety. As a result, the modern slavery hypothesis was used to analyze the data in this study. To do this, the study will use a hybrid research approach that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Furthermore, both primary and secondary data sources were used. To analyze qualitative data, content analysis was used. Microsoft Excel and SPPS were used to analyze quantitative data. From the first objective, the findings of the study were that the rampant Trafficking of persons in the African continent has been contributed by various factors, both internal and external. The findings point to poverty as the main element that has resulted in increased human Trafficking. Human Trafficking has become the norm along the Kenya-Uganda border, with severe consequences for their lives as they are subjected to physical and emotional torture. The constitution is part of the current legislative framework in place to prevent human trafficking. The Counter-Trafficking Act of 2010 was enacted to aid in Kenya’s fight against the vice of trafficking persons and along its borders. The government has also domesticated the East Africa Counter-Trafficking Protocol as well as the United Nations Palermo Protocol as domesticated in Kenya. The efficacy of the existing legal framework was also discussed, and the findings of the study point out several challenges like corruption that have hindered the current legal framework from helping to eradicate human trafficking. Human Trafficking remains high along the Kenya-Uganda Busia border despite the existence of these legal documents. The study recommends strengthening the existing legal framework to ensure they are compelling enough to combat human trafficking in the Kenya-Uganda Busia border. Further, there is a need to put in place a counseling center specifically for those affected by human Trafficking who undergo a lot upon their return. The government should offer safe havens where they can speak out and get counseling services.