Written by Kelly Were
In a groundbreaking development in Kenya’s fight against human trafficking, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has formalized a strategic alliance with the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI), signaling a renewed national commitment to dismantling trafficking networks and delivering justice to survivors.
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga and HTI Chief Executive Officer Victor Boutros signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier today, laying the foundation for an ambitious and comprehensive anti-trafficking agenda. The MoU is poised to fortify Kenya’s legal and institutional response to human trafficking, which continues to pose a grave threat to vulnerable populations across the country and the broader region.
This partnership comes at a crucial time as Kenya ramps up efforts to implement and enforce the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act No. 8 of 2010. Through this collaboration, the ODPP will benefit from targeted training, specialized technical assistance, and enhanced investigative tools—critical resources for prosecuting complex trafficking cases.
“The MoU represents not just a legal formality, but a shared vision of justice and protection for victims,” DPP Ingonga said. “By working closely with HTI, we are reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that traffickers are not only prosecuted but held fully accountable.”
What the Partnership Entails
Key components of the ODPP-HTI partnership include:
- Capacity Building: Equipping prosecutors and investigators with cutting-edge training in trafficking case management.
- Technical Support: Providing expert consultations and legal guidance on complex trafficking prosecutions.
- Joint Initiatives: Developing targeted programs to strengthen enforcement of anti-trafficking laws.
- Victim-Centered Approaches: Enhancing support systems to prioritize the protection and dignity of survivors.
HTI’s CEO Victor Boutros emphasized the global nature of the crime and the need for coordinated efforts. “Kenya’s proactive stance sends a strong message to traffickers: impunity ends here,” he stated. “We are honored to support the ODPP in building a justice system that defends the most vulnerable.”
As East Africa grapples with rising incidents of cross-border human trafficking, this partnership could serve as a model for regional collaboration and institutional reform. By setting new standards in legal enforcement, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in the global fight against modern-day slavery.
