Gender equality key to Kenya’s fight against migrant smuggling, NGEC says

Kenya, August 20 ,2026 - The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has called for gender equality and social inclusion to be placed at the centre of Kenya’s efforts to combat migrant smuggling and strengthen border security.

The Commission made the call during a briefing meeting with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kenya in Nairobi on the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion component of the Regional Counter-Smuggling Programme (RCSP).

The three-year programme is being implemented in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with support from the UK Home Office Border Security Command. It seeks to strengthen airport and border-management systems, disrupt migrant-smuggling networks, enhance inter-agency cooperation and improve protection for vulnerable migrants.

According to NGEC ,In Kenya, the programme covers major international airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International, Moi International, Kisumu International, Eldoret International and Malindi airports.

NGEC said efforts to strengthen border and migration systems must be accompanied by measures to address inequalities that can expose certain groups to greater risks during migration.

“Gender equality and social inclusion must be an essential part of migration governance—not an additional consideration once systems are already in place,” the Commission said.

The Commission noted that conflict, economic hardship, climate-related shocks and limited livelihood opportunities continue to drive migration and displacement across the Horn of Africa.

According to IOM estimates, about 1.7 million people, including migrants and members of host communities in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Yemen, will require assistance in 2026.

Migrants along some routes face risks including extortion, arbitrary detention, violence, exploitation and abuse, the agency says.

NGEC warned that such risks can be compounded by gender, age, disability and other social circumstances.

Women and girls may face increased exposure to sexual exploitation, gender-based violence and trafficking, while children require specialised safeguarding and protection.

Persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups may also face barriers in accessing information, assistance, reporting mechanisms and essential services.

The Nairobi meeting examined the objectives, scope, target institutions and expected results of the RCSP, as well as the proposed gender equality and social inclusion component.

Participants also discussed ways of improving institutional coordination, technical capacity, information sharing and referral mechanisms while integrating equality and inclusion considerations into the programme.

NGEC Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Dr Purity Ngina joined IOM Kenya Chief of Mission Nomagugu Ncube and NGEC Vice Chairperson Thomas Koyier, EBS, in setting the tone for the discussions.

The technical session on gender equality and social inclusion was led by Fiona Njeru, while NGEC Director of Programmes and Research Paul Kuria guided discussions on the proposed establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG).

The proposed TWG will provide a framework for institutional coordination, technical guidance and shared responsibility in implementing the programme's gender equality and social inclusion component.

NGEC said the partnership with IOM presents an opportunity to ensure gender responsiveness, accessibility, equality, non-discrimination and respect for human dignity are incorporated into migration governance and counter-smuggling measures from the outset.

The Commission stressed that while counter-smuggling operations must disrupt criminal networks and secure borders, security measures should not overlook the protection needs of people on the move.

It said a protection-centred system should be able to identify vulnerable migrants, prevent exploitation, facilitate referrals and ensure access to essential services without discrimination.

With Kenya serving as a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants, the Commission said effective and humane migration governance was critical to addressing emerging challenges.

NGEC said it would continue working with IOM, government institutions and other partners to strengthen approaches that put equality and social inclusion at the centre of programmes affecting migration, mobility and protection.