How Epstein’s network extended into Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, other African countries
Newly released US government documents have linked the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein to alleged activities in parts of East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia.
The documents were made public after the US Congress approved the Epstein Files Transparency Act, prompting the Department of Justice to release millions of pages of material related to Epstein and his associates. Epstein was convicted in 2008 of procuring minors for sex and was later charged again in 2019 with federal sex trafficking offences before he died in a New York jail.
According to the files, investigators flagged Kenya and Somalia as locations associated with paedophile activity, while Tanzania and Senegal were identified as transit points used in Epstein’s international movements. Coastal areas such as Malindi in Kenya were mentioned as places frequented by individuals connected to the network
Several emails contained in the files suggest Epstein coordinated travel to Kenya involving young women, some described in the correspondence as “finally turning legal.” In other exchanges, associates discussed arranging “safaris” and “internships,” language that experts say can be used to mask trafficking activity.
One email from 2013 references Epstein’s communication with a Kenyan businessman who said he was attending the inauguration of then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. While the correspondence itself does not allege criminal conduct by Kenyan officials, it illustrates Epstein’s proximity to influential figures and international events.
Other messages, some written jokingly, included disturbing references to bringing children from Kenya. Investigators say such language reflects common patterns in trafficking networks, where casual wording is used to obscure exploitation.
The documents also point to Tanzania’s role as a transit hub, with Epstein’s associates visiting high-end destinations such as Mnemba Island. Children from Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan were allegedly trafficked through regional ports, including Mombasa, according to investigative records cited in the files.
The released material does not accuse governments in the region of wrongdoing.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
