Standing with Survivors of 
Human Trafficking in Kenya

Behind every survivor of human trafficking is a story of courage, pain, and hope. Every week, a small group gathers at the offices of the Religious Superiors Conference of Kenya (RSCK). They come together with a shared mission: to bring hope, care and support to those rebuilding their lives after exploitation. Through a partnership between the RSCK Secretariat and the Quebec Foreign Mission Society (SME), the committee accompanies survivors with compassion, listening to their stories and aspirations, responding to their needs, and walking alongside them as they rebuild their lives.

The committee meets every Monday before its field activities or more frequently if they need to respond to situations that require more attention. Around the table, diverse voices come together: representatives of the RSCK Secretariat, a survivor whose lived experience offers invaluable insight, Québec lay missionary Rhea May, and other lay collaborators who share a deep commitment to walking alongside those affected by human trafficking. Together, they listen to survivors, discern their needs, and develop concrete ways to support their journey toward healing and restoration.

Beyond direct support for survivors, the committee believes that prevention is an essential part of the fight against human trafficking. Its members organize workshops and awareness activities to help communities recognize the deceptive methods used by traffickers, who often exploit people's hopes for employment or a better future. By informing communities, they seek to prevent new cases of trafficking while fostering a culture of vigilance and solidarity.

For the members of the committee, this commitment is rooted in the Gospel’s call to recognize the dignity of every person. As Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of Matthew: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Mt 25, 35 - 40). This call to serve the most vulnerable continues to inspire their work. Their work echoes Pope Francis’ invitation, expressed in the 10th World Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking in 2024: "It is never too late to take action," he reminds, urging Christians and all people of good will to unite their efforts against the reality of human trafficking.