This archive report was first published on 20 August 2021.
On August 19, 2021, a joint operation by Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) and Central Police Station officers resulted in the arrest of at least 100 commercial sex workers in Nairobi's central business district.
The crackdown was prompted by complaints from traders and members of the public about the sex workers operating in broad daylight near their stores, causing a nuisance and distracting potential customers.
According to a senior Central Police Station officer, the operation also targeted street families, parking boys, and muggers.
"The traders filed complaints against the group, particularly sex workers, who were operating in broad daylight near their stalls," the officer was quoted as saying.
"Some of the women openly entice men walking on the streets, and several victims have complained of sexual harassment by a section of the sex workers," the officer added.
The officer suggested that the 10 pm-4 am curfew might have pushed the sex workers into daytime prostitution.
"The traders said the sex workers were using foul language near their shops, making their customers uncomfortable," the officer said.
Some of the complainants threatened to stop remitting taxes to the county government if action was not taken against the sex workers.
Central Day Nursery School and the House of Judah Church had previously written letters to the police and NMS about the sex workers' presence outside their premises.
NMS officer William Kangogo, who is in charge of the crackdown, said the exercise would last one month and would be conducted randomly thereafter.
