We are pleased to announce a significant milestone in Alliance 8.7’s efforts to engage survivors in anti-trafficking advocacy, supported by the UK government in Kenya. On October 7, 2024, after a year of dedicated planning and development, the Survivors Network Kenya (SNK) officially launched, marking the first registered survivor network recognized by the Kenyan government through the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. The Ministry leads the Kenyan Roadmap under the Alliance 8.7 framework, and the launch of SNK marks a pivotal advancement in empowering survivors of human trafficking to champion justice, protection, and systemic change.
Free the Slaves’ Role in the Development of Survivors Network Kenya
From the outset, Free the Slaves (FTS) has been dedicated to fostering survivor-led initiatives. We played an instrumental role in forming SNK, offering strategic guidance, resources, and building partnerships to create a sustainable framework. Our support for SNK is rooted in a belief that survivor leadership drives the most meaningful, lasting change. FTS has focused on amplifying survivor voices and opening avenues for leadership in anti-trafficking advocacy.
Working alongside key stakeholders and survivor leaders, FTS supported SNK’s creation through capacity-building activities, advocacy training, and leadership development. These efforts equipped survivors to engage directly with policymakers, ensuring their lived experiences inform anti-trafficking strategies and solutions. From Nairobi, SNK is now registered as a community-based organization, with plans for expansion across Kenya. Committed to prevention, reintegration, and economic empowerment, SNK is positioned as a leading voice in Kenya’s anti-trafficking landscape.
Celebrating the Launch
The launch of SNK was a powerful event bringing together anti-trafficking organizations, government agencies, civil society, and international partners. Survivors, advocates, and community leaders gathered to witness this important step in Kenya’s anti-trafficking movement. The event featured a keynote from government representatives at the Counter Trafficking in Persons Secretariat (CTIP), symbolizing a new era of survivor-led advocacy.
The launch was supported by many organizations committed to survivor engagement, including Terre Des Hommes (TDH), Center for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD), Talitha Kum, Awareness Against Human Trafficking (HAART) Kenya, and Counter Human Trafficking Trust – East Africa (CHTEA). Global development partners like the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Freedom Fund, International Labour Organization (ILO), and International Organization for Migration (IOM) also attended, reflecting opportunities for broad collaboration. Research organizations, including Busara and CeNTRo, emphasized the role of research in survivor engagement, underscoring data’s importance in informing effective anti-trafficking policies and practices.
At the event, Jackline Mwende, Senior Regional Manager for East & Central Africa and Survivor Engagement Global Lead at FTS, noted, “This network symbolizes a turning point in how we address trafficking in persons by centering the voices and experiences of survivors.” The event affirmed a shared commitment to survivor leadership, ensuring survivors are at the forefront of the fight against trafficking.
Supporting the Network Going Forward
FTS remains fully committed to supporting SNK as it grows in scope and impact. We will continue to provide technical assistance, mentorship, and foster collaborations that enhance the network’s capacity and sustainability. By building partnerships with other anti-trafficking organizations, FTS aims to support SNK in adapting to emerging challenges, sharing knowledge, and strengthening its role in Kenya’s anti-trafficking response.
The launch of SNK is more than the start of a new organization; it exemplifies the transformative power of survivor leadership in combating modern slavery. Free the Slaves is honored to stand with these courageous leaders as they drive lasting change toward a future where human trafficking is no longer a threat.
