Government Signals Review of Rescue Policy for Kenyans Trapped in Overseas Scam Operations

The Kenyan government has hinted at a possible overhaul of its rescue policies for citizens who knowingly travel to foreign countries involved in illegal operations, following the recent repatriation of Kenyans from Myanmar. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that blanket assistance strains resources and erodes accountability, signaling a shift in how support for distressed citizens abroad will be administered.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, the ministry released a statement directing families of Kenyans awaiting repatriation to procure return tickets independently, rather than relying on government funding. 

The announcement comes after reports that 86 Kenyans in military shelters initially refused cooperation, demanding government-funded travel while spreading false information on social media. 

These individuals eventually shared next-of-kin details on December 19, allowing the repatriation process to continue.

So far, 119 Kenyans have been successfully repatriated following raids by Myanmar authorities and rebel groups on illegal swindling compounds. 

These operations forced criminal operators to flee, leaving behind hundreds of foreign workers, including over 200 Kenyans who sought refuge in military shelters in Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko. 

Another group of over 100 Kenyans crossed into Thailand during the chaos.

Despite the ongoing efforts, 198 Kenyans still await repatriation, including 66 in Thailand’s Immigration Detention Centre and 129 in Myanmar shelters.

 The Kenyan Embassy is also in contact with three Kenyans residing in a Caritas Catholic safe house in Cambodia.

Investigations revealed that the majority of those seeking repatriation had initially entered Thailand on tourist visas between April 2024 and November 2025, ignoring the “employment prohibited” endorsement. 

At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), authorities found that most travelers insisted they were visiting for tourism, despite intending to participate in illegal operations.

The government further reported that some Kenyans bypassed prior evacuations, including a major rescue operation in March 2025, deliberately returning to swindling activities abroad. 

Officials warned that government-funded rescues for individuals knowingly engaging in unlawful activities risk creating a moral hazard, undermining travel advisories, safe migration policies, and efforts to deter transnational crime.

Upon their return, repatriated citizens are interviewed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ (DCI) Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) to facilitate prosecutions against syndicates operating the illegal compounds. 

This step is part of a broader strategy to hold criminal networks accountable and ensure that those exploited in these operations receive necessary support.

The ministry emphasized that while humanitarian aid remains available for genuine victims of trafficking, indiscriminate assistance places significant strain on national resources and diminishes accountability. 

Citizens are encouraged to exercise caution when offered employment abroad and to report rogue agents or companies to the relevant authorities.

This development follows months of concerted efforts by the Kenyan government to combat illegal employment and scam operations targeting its citizens. 

Awareness campaigns have been widely disseminated via television, radio, social media, and community barazas, yet some individuals continue to engage in high-risk overseas employment despite knowing the dangers.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, overseeing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of responsible travel and adherence to legal processes. 

He highlighted that the government’s focus remains on safeguarding citizens while discouraging voluntary participation in fraudulent schemes that put lives at risk.