This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
Published on September 7, 2019, sex workers in Machakos County made a bold demand from their local government: provide them with lubricants and condoms.
Speaking to the media, one of the sex workers emphasized the importance of their work, stating, 'We are here today to ask the Machakos County government what they have planned for the key population in this county. We want to ensure that sex workers have access to lubricants.'
The sex workers also highlighted the economic benefits of their work, pointing out that they pay taxes and contribute to the local economy. 'Sex work is work because we pay rent, we feed our children,' one of them said.
Furthermore, they argued that their work is a vital source of revenue for the tourism sector in Kenya and specifically in Machakos County. 'Many tourists come to Kenya because Kenya has everything, including sex. What else do you want?' another sex worker added.
The group also demanded better security while they are at work, with one of them saying, 'We want to know before one day that we, as sex workers, are going somewhere.'
Sex workers across the country have been complaining about their security, with a recent incident in Chuka town in Tharaka Nithi County highlighting the need for better protection.
