Kenya Airways warns staff against human trafficking ahead of meeting

National carrier Kenya Airways has called a meeting to discuss the menace of human trafficking amid complaints of the rise of the vice.

Kenya Airways says it has a policy against human trafficking.

This comes ahead of a meeting called on Monday, March 6 in Nairobi to discuss the issue.

CEO Allan Kilavuka said, in an earlier memo, human trafficking is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights, which involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

“This policy applies to all Kenya Airways' operations and establishments company-wide, including all activities carried out on behalf of Kenya Airways PIc and its subsidiaries,” he said.

He added management at all levels is responsible for ensuring those reporting to them are aware of the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking and understand and comply with this policy.

“Kenya Airways PLC condemns all forms of human trafficking, fully supports the elimination of the exploitation of human beings and modern slavery and will not condone human trafficking in any part of our organization.”

Kilavuka added the airline aims to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken.

He said employees must notify their manager or report it in line with the applicable whistleblowing procedures as soon as possible if they believe or suspect that a conflict with this policy has occurred or may occur in the future.

“Any employee who breaches this policy shall face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for gross misconduct,” he said.

He said Kenya Airways PLC shall terminate its relationship with other individuals and organisations working on our behalf if they breach this policy.

Violation of this policy shall result in the criminal prosecution of responsible individuals, he added.

Kilavuka said KQ has a zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking and modern slavery and is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all of our business dealings and relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not tolerated in our own business.

“Our policies and procedures reflect a strong commitment to upholding the belief that every person has the right to life, safety and security,” he said.

He added KQ strictly complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the prevention of human trafficking, including the Counter Trafficking in Persons Act and cooperates with law enforcement authorities to address instances of human trafficking.

The CEO said Kenya Airways PLC is joining with other partners across the aviation industry to stop the flow of human trafficking and will not allow our airline system to be an enabler in such unlawful human atrocities.

“In keeping with our mission, morals and ideals, we pledge to educate all staff, with an emphasis on those who interact with the general public, about the different forms of human trafficking and its indicators with a view of identifying victims or those at risk.”