In a new landmark initiative, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kenya and the national airline, Kenya Airways (KQ), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) announcing a strategic partnership aimed at tackling trafficking in persons, and promoting regular migration pathways.
"This partnership demonstrates the commitment of both organizations to protect travelers and migrants and reduce their potential exposure to exploitation by traffickers," said Ms. Dimanche Sharon, IOM Chief of Mission Kenya. "By joining forces with Kenya Airways, we are enhancing IOM's outreach and impact, ensuring that migration is safe and works for all."
IOM and KQ will implement measures that will help identify and seek to reduce trafficking and facilitate regular pathways for migration and promote the protection of migrants and people on the move. Enhancing regular pathways is one of IOM's strategic priorities, which aims to deliver a whole-of-society approach to migration, including partnership and engagement with the private sector.
"The collaboration with IOM Kenya demonstrates our dedication to corporate social responsibility and the well-being of all travelers," said Mr. Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer. "We are committed to providing our staff with the necessary training and resources to assist migrants, particularly those in vulnerable situations."
Under this MOU, Kenya Airways personnel will receive specialized training from IOM to help identify, respond to, and improve coordination to assist travelers and migrants. Joint efforts between IOM and Kenya Airways will also be made to advocate for policies that create a safer more regular travel environment for migrants. A framework for sharing information between the airline and IOM to help travelers is planned.
Signed today, the collaboration brings together IOM Kenya's experts in the fields of migrant protection and labour mobility, and Kenya Airways, which carries over 5 million passengers across Africa and around the world each year, to over 45 destinations.
