In a country where thousands fall prey to human trafficking each year, a bold new movement is rewriting the narrative—this time through the voices of those who have lived it.
Just eight months ago, Survivors Network Kenya (SNK) launched as the nation’s first-ever network of persons with lived experience committed to ending human trafficking and modern slavery. Today, SNK celebrates a major milestone: the unveiling of its inaugural Strategic Plan (2025–2027).
On May 16, 2025, 58 dedicated stakeholders (47 women and 11 men) gathered at Kituo cha Sheria in Nairobi to commemorate this moment—not just the release of a strategy, but the recognition of survivor leadership, resilience, and hope.
The event drew a diverse group of supporters, including representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (serving as Guest of Honor), the Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Department of Children Services, civil society organizations (CHTEA, CDTD, TALITHA KUM, HAART Kenya, KUDHEIHA), development partners (the Freedom Fund, Lawyers Without Borders, U.S. Embassy in Kenya, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), and research institutions (Equidem and Busara).
Their presence underscored a collective commitment to placing survivor voices at the heart of Kenya’s anti-trafficking response. Both the Ministry of Labour and the Department of Children Services pledged to work closely with SNK, affirming: “Nothing for them without them”—a commitment that survivors will always have a seat at the table.
The Department of Criminal Investigations acknowledged ongoing challenges related to trafficking data and invited SNK to play a key role in closing those knowledge gaps. Research partners echoed this opportunity, aligning their support with the strategic direction of SNK.
What makes SNK’s Strategic Plan truly groundbreaking is its process. Developed through a survivor-led and participatory approach—with technical support from Free the Slaves and funding from the FCDO—the plan emerged from national consultations, survivor leadership forums, and empowerment workshops. Survivors directly informed every component.
Milliam Kamau, Chairperson of SNK, summed it up:
“This strategic plan is a collective vision forged by survivors who have transformed pain into purpose. It is a roadmap for lasting change built from our experiences, resilience, and hope.”
Jackline Mwende, Senior Regional Manager and Survivor Engagement Global Lead at Free the Slaves, who has supported SNK since 2023, shared:
“Watching survivors evolve from sharing their stories to shaping policy has been one of the most inspiring parts of our work. This strategy proves what we’ve always known: that when survivors are trusted, resourced, and empowered to lead, they don’t just change their own lives, they change entire systems. Free the Slaves is deeply honored to have been part of this journey from the very beginning, and we will continue to stand with SNK as they lead Kenya and the world toward freedom.”
The Strategic Plan outlines four core priorities that will guide SNK’s work through 2027:
- Survivor Empowerment and Leadership – Strengthening survivor capacity through mentorship, leadership development, and community-led advocacy at all levels.
- Policy and Advocacy Influence – Ensuring survivor voices shape policies and responses to trafficking through active participation at both county and national levels.
- Network Strengthening and Governance – Enhancing internal systems and expanding survivor representation across Kenya’s 47 counties.
- Partnerships and Collaboration – Building ethical, survivor-centered partnerships with civil society, unions, the private sector, and global allies to inform research and programming.
These pillars represent a strategic, actionable framework for lasting change—designed by and for survivors.
Impact and What’s Next
SNK’s emergence as a powerful voice in Kenya’s anti-trafficking space is more than a milestone—it’s a signal of transformation. In just under a year, SNK has gone from formation to formal strategy. Survivors are no longer just participants in the anti-trafficking movement—they are leaders, partners, and changemakers.
As SNK begins to implement its plan, the momentum from the launch continues to build. With growing partnerships and survivor-led solutions rooted in lived experience, the path forward is clear: lasting change is possible when those most affected are at the center.
Free the Slaves remains committed to supporting SNK as they expand their reach, deepen their impact, and continue leading the way to freedom.
