This archive report was first published on 4 May 2021.
Published on May 4, 2021, a group of sex workers in Nairobi's Kangemi area have expressed concern over the scarcity of government-supplied condoms.
According to the sex workers, the shortage has been ongoing for quite some time, with the government-supplied condoms no longer being distributed in public utilities.
Agnes Waithera, a sex worker, spoke to Ghetto Radio News about the issue, stating that the low supply of condoms has put their lives in danger.
Waithera explained that they prefer government-supplied condoms due to their quality, which is superior to those sold in shops.
“The condoms have become very scarce. Kanjo are not distributing them anymore. Before we used to get extra, currently even getting a single packet is hard,” Waithera said.
She also emphasized that the government-supplied condoms are of good quality, unlike those bought in shops, which often burst and put them at risk.
Cidi Otieno, a representative of the Kangemi Grassroots Human Rights Movement, has appealed to the government to resolve the issue urgently.
He also highlighted the need to address the issue of police harassment against commercial sex workers, citing numerous reports of harassment and assault from police officers.
“Every Kenyan has a right, so there is no police officer authorized to assault any Kenyan despite their trade,” Otieno stated.
