Evaluating the Role of Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programmes in Preventing Human Trafficking: A Case Study of the IOM Clinic in Eastleigh, Nairobi

Abstract

Human trafficking remains a serious global concern affecting millions of vulnerable individuals, particularly in regions characterized by high migration flows. Kenya, being situated along major migration routes, faces challenges associated with trafficking in persons (TiP), which disproportionately affect women and children. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Clinic in Eastleigh, Nairobi County, plays an important role in addressing this issue through its Voluntary Return and Reintegration (VRR) programs that provide support for victims’ recovery and social reintegration. Despite the presence of the programs, a majority of the returnees continue to face challenges associated with economic hardships which increases their vulnerabilities to re-trafficking. This study seeks to examine the effectiveness of VRR programs implemented by the IOM Clinic in preventing trafficking in persons in Kenya. The study examines contribution of VRR in combating trafficking, evaluates the role of socio-economic interventions, analyses challenges faced by returnees and evaluates effectiveness of VRR programs by the IOM Clinic. The research addresses a key gap in existing literature, which offers limited empirical evidence on the long-term impact of reintegration programs in reducing re-trafficking risks and promoting sustainable livelihoods among survivors. The research was guided by the Theory of Change and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which together explain how VRR programs meet survivors’ basic and psychological needs while promoting socio-economic empowerment and long-term stability. The study applied a mixed-methods approach to obtain comprehensive data. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 228 individuals from beneficiaries of return and reintegration programs, programme administrators, case and law enforcement officers. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with beneficiaries and key informants. The study found that VRR contributes largely towards reduced trafficking in that at least 81% of the participants understood the return processes and procedures that they should follow. Similarly, the study found positive association between social economic interventions and risk reduction (r = 0.722) which means that participation in economic empowerment programs was association with greater reduction of trafficking. In terms of challenges, economic challenges were the most common barriers to re-integration. From the findings, 49% of the participants were unable to find employment or start a business which further exposes them to trafficking due to income instability. Other common challenges identified were legal, shelter and accommodation as well as social-cultural challenges. In terms of the clinic, 85% agreed that the programs offered aligned with the international best standards. However, there were mixed concerns in regard to the effectiveness of the programs in addressing the local concerns of beneficiaries. As a result, the study recommends that there is a need for developing programs that not only meets the short-term survival needs but also provides avenues for sustainable livelihoods. The study concludes that the VRR programs reduces the likelihood of re-integration by increasing awareness, enhancing socio-economic resilience and supporting reintegration of returnees. The study contributes to the existing knowledge of anti-trafficking literature and efforts by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the programs.