In the Shadow of the Pandemic : Exploring the Intersection of Crisis and Human Trafficking in Kenya. A Qualitative Case Study on the Effects of COVID-19 on Vulnerabilities, Emerging Trends, and NGO Responses

Sammanfattning: The COVID-19 pandemic caused severe economic and social disruptions in Kenya, which exacerbated vulnerabilities and raised concerns about potential increases in human trafficking. Therefore, this qualitative case study examines how the pandemic affected human trafficking and NGO responses during this period. The primary data was collected through 14 semi-structured interviews with anti-trafficking NGOs in Kenya. In addition, secondary data was gathered to further support the conceptualization of the thesis. The study utilizes Push and Pull Theory and crisis management concepts to analyze underlying factors contributing to potential changes and illustrate vulnerability to trafficking. The results of the study reveal that the pandemic exacerbated underlying structural factors known to foster trafficking. It exposed new human trafficking trends, including online child sexual exploitation, and online recruitment. The study also found indications of reverse migration, and increased vulnerability for children from middle-income backgrounds. Additionally, the study found that the restrictions severely impeded NGO operations. This suggests that combating human trafficking necessitates addressing a variety of interconnected factors and emphasizes the need for comprehensive crisis response plans that consider human trafficking. These findings contribute to the anti-trafficking sector and crisis management and underscore the crucial role of NGOs in providing essential services during crises.