DCI turns to boda boda riders in fresh push to disrupt child sex trafficking

Nairobi, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has enlisted boda boda riders in an effort to disrupt child sex trafficking in the city, according to the agency. The DCI's Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit reached out to riders from Zimmerman and Mirema wards in Roysambu Sub-County on Wednesday, urging them to serve as frontline monitors for detecting and reporting suspected cases of child sex trafficking.

The initiative, conducted in collaboration with MARICI-Kenya, aimed to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of child sex trafficking while emphasizing the riders' role as "eyes and ears" for law enforcement. Out of 200 riders, 200 were given branded reflector jackets bearing anti-child-sex-trafficking messages and the DCI's contact information to facilitate reporting of suspicious activities.

The DCI stressed that these riders, being highly visible throughout the community, could provide crucial information to investigators swiftly. The agency urged the riders to promptly report any suspected trafficking cases to the police or via its anonymous, toll-free numbers. The DCI reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding children, dismantling trafficking networks, and holding perpetrators accountable.