Physical Risks Faced by Migrants in and through Kenya
International migration — especially when irregular — involves significant physical dangers. These risks can occur during travel, in transit environments, and within or near destination countries such as Kenya and surrounding regions. The following points summarize key physical hazards verified by international organizations studying migration and protection
1. Dangerous Transportation and Travel Conditions
Migrants often travel through remote areas, using unsafe routes and transport methods. In East Africa this can include:
Hazardous overland journeys where migrants walk long distances on foot through deserts, forests, or wildlife regions, resulting in exhaustion, dehydration, heat exposure, and physical injury.
Risky maritime crossings, for example when attempting to travel from East Africa across the Gulf of Aden or Red Sea in poorly maintained boats. Such crossings have led to drowning, capsizing, and multiple deaths.
These conditions increase the likelihood of accidents, dehydration, starvation, or death.
2. Violence and Exploitation by Criminal Actors
Migrants on the move may be targeted by smugglers, armed groups, or traffickers:
Violence can include physical assault, torture, kidnapping for ransom, and sexual violence.
Migrants may be robbed, extorted, or abandoned in dangerous areas when smugglers evade law enforcement, exposing them to further harm or neglect.
These experiences not only jeopardize safety but can result in severe injuries or fatal outcomes.
3. Exposure to Harsh Environments
During irregular journeys, migrants often lack secure shelter and are exposed to extreme environmental conditions:
Exposure to heat, cold, and wildlife hazards when crossing national parks, forests, or remote regions.
Lack of food, clean water, and first aid, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, disease, or untreated injuries.
These environmental exposures significantly heighten the risk of accidental injury and health deterioration.
4. Overcrowded and Unsanitary Conditions
In some cases, migrants end up in camps, holding centres, or informal shelters where physical risks persist:
Overcrowded facilities may lack adequate sanitation and access to medical care.
Such conditions increase the spread of infectious diseases (e.g., diarrhea, respiratory infections), and complicate physical recovery from injuries.
These risks are particularly significant among vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly.
5. Limited Access to Medical Assistance
Migrants often face barriers to health care, especially when traveling irregularly or without documentation:
Lack of access to preventive care, emergency medical assistance, and treatment for injuries or chronic conditions is a major risk factor.
Migrants may delay or avoid seeking care due to fear of detention or deportation.
This compounds the physical harm from injuries or hazardous conditions.
