Can someone force you to work or hold you in servitude?
Constitution of Kenya · sources read 4 Oct 2026
No one may be held in slavery or servitude, or be required to do forced labour. Freedom from slavery and servitude can never be limited, and holding a worker's ID or passport to stop them leaving or seeking help is a crime carrying at least 10 years in jail, a fine of at least KSh 10 million, or both.
- Where
- Report on 0800 722 203 (Child Helpline 116 for children); court cases at the High Court
Steps
- Report forced labour or trafficking on the toll-free line 0800 722 203.
- If a child is involved, call the National Child Helpline 116.
- Victims can get rescue, shelter, medical and psychosocial help, return home and legal aid through the government counter-trafficking service.
- You can also ask the High Court to enforce your constitutional right not to be held in servitude or made to do forced labour.
Watch out
- Taking, hiding or destroying someone's ID, travel documents or personal belongings to stop them leaving the country or seeking help is a separate crime: at least 10 years in jail, a fine of at least KSh 10 million, or both.
- Moving or keeping someone in order to make them do forced labour is human trafficking, with at least 30 years in jail, a fine of at least KSh 30 million, or both.
- Not having documents should not stop a victim from getting emergency protection and help.
- The Employment Act separately bans using forced labour, or helping anyone recruit, traffic or use forced labour.
- Under the Employment Act, that offence carries a fine of up to KSh 500,000, up to 2 years in jail, or both.
Who this covers
- Every person in Kenya, including house helps and other workers
Official sources (4)
- Constitution of Kenya, 2010 new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act (No. 8 of 2010) new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Child Protection Services Portal childrenservices.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Employment Act (Cap. 226), consolidated new.kenyalaw.org · read 4 Oct 2026