Kenya has of late become a safe haven for foreign elements. In most cases, such elements enter the country illegally. Some use fake travel documents while others move freely with protection of those in Government.
Most of them are from Far East, West and Central Africa and some neighbouring countries.
Some illegal immigrants are doing business locally, especially back street business, in estates and other major towns. Others are fraudsters who dupe locals and defraud them their hard earned money. They have taken up some jobs meant for locals and move with ease.
This is adduced to the laxity by the Immigration department and other state security agencies. Also, our borders have proved to be porous, it becomes hard to notice aliens entering the country. Some unpatriotic locals are also accused of aiding their entry at fee.
Surprisingly, these elements are well in known in security circles. They even know where they stay. But nothing is done to bring them to book. Some have reportedly put some law enforcers in their ‘payroll’ and can do wrongs with impunity.
While many countries including Tanzania have strict rules to tame the vice, Kenya’s law implementation is wanting.
Tanzania will have foreigners register before entering and leaving the country. The registration entail all contacts including residence, time and telephone contacts for easy monitoring.
Last year, there were also reports of some security agents transporting some foreigners without valid documents. This is worrying if it is indeed true the security apparatus is infiltrated by such elements.
Apart from harbouring aliens with criminal records, the country is slowly becoming a haven for human trafficking. There have been reports of many from Somalis and Ethiopians being trafficked to South Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Terror attacks
Such networks are worrying since they harbour danger to the country in terms of security and in international stature.
This is being done at the time when the insecurity in the country is on the rise including the recent terror attacks.
There is, therefore, need for both immigration and security agencies to scrutinise all visitors for security reasons but without harassing them. True visitors walk in through the front door.
