64 Kenyans rescued in Myanmar set to be repatriated - Foreign Affairs ministry

In a communiqué dated March 2, the Ministry announced that the Kenyans are currently at the Thai-Myanmar border ready to cross over.

They are being stalled at the border because Thailand has not reopened the border crossing since February 12, 2025, when the first wave of 260 foreigners, including 24 Kenyans were handed over to the Royal Thai Army by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). 

"The Kenyan Ambassador in Thailand has remained in touch, on a daily basis, with the Kenyans to apprise them on efforts by the government to bring them home safely," read the statement in part.

"The Government of Kenya is in consultation with the Thai Government to have the border crossing re-opened on humanitarian grounds to allow the rescued nationals entry into Thai territory and repatriation to Kenya."

The 64 Kenyans are in a group of over 7,000 other foreigners rescued by two armed groups- the DKBA and the Border Guard Force (BGF)- comprising over 30 nationalities. 

They are among hundreds of other foreigners trafficked to Myanmar late last year and used forcefully to commit various online crimes including scamming, fraud, identify theft, phishing, romance scams, and cryptocurrency scams.

"The situation in the makeshift military camps in Karen State where the rescued nationals are being held remains dire with lack of access to medical facilities, clean water, electricity and sanitation," the statement added.

The Ministry is also pursuing alternative routes to bring the Kenyans home. 

46 Kenyans were rescued from Myanmar scam compounds on February 19, barely a week after 24 others were freed.

Earlier, four Kenyans escaped to Thailand on February 8, 2025, and were rescued by Thai civilians before being handed over to security authorities at the border area.

The Ministry cautioned Kenyans against traveling abroad before verifying the legitimacy of jobs advertised online by checking with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.

“The Government reminds Kenyans to exclusively use private recruitment agencies that are registered and licensed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection," the Ministry noted. 

A list of these approved agencies can be accessed on the website www.neaims.so.ke  

Kenya is also making similar rescuing efforts for its nationals facing similar labour situations witnessed in Libya, South Sudan, Sudan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Israel and other parts of the world in line with its fundamental duty to protect the rights and welfare of Kenyans wherever they are.