This archive report was first published on 14 October 2019.
'I'd choose prostitution...' Nairobi sex workers on how they make millions ¶
Published on October 14, 2019
Prostitution is a booming business in Kenya, with sex workers minting millions from the profession. In Nairobi, sex workers are adapting to the digital age, with some preferring online work over streetwalking.
According to an interview with Mpasho.co.ke, Selina, a 26-year-old sex worker, earns Sh400,000 per month from her apartments in Kileleshwa. She also travels to Bali and Bangkok for holidays.
When asked if she would choose prostitution again, Selina replied, 'If I were to choose a profession again, I would choose prostitution over anything,' she said.
Another sex worker, Anita, operates along Koinange Street and around City Hall. She prefers streetwalking because she doesn't have to pay the brothel madam. Anita said, 'I was affected by the demolition of Simmers. With the new Constitution and the addition of more positions, we make a lot of money,' she said.
However, Anita also shared a disturbing experience with a politician from Western Kenya who paid her only Sh1,000 after a night of sex without using condoms.
Central Police Station boss Atavachi said prostitution along Koinange Street is not active nowadays. He attributed the decline to the demolition of Simmers and the fact that many sex workers target drunks who frequent city clubs.
But Phelisters Abdalla, a proud city mobile sex worker, is optimistic about the future of sex work. She said, 'As the world is developing, we're also developing. We're trying to go digital and I don't think it's going to hurt us at all,' she said.
Abdalla also emphasized the importance of safe working conditions and decriminalization of sex work. She said, 'We're not looking at the legalisation of prostitution but safe working environment; decriminalisation of sex work so your work can be treated like any other profession,' she said.
Despite the challenges they face, including arrests, violent clients, diseases, and harsh working conditions, sex workers like Abdalla are determined to continue their work. She said, 'Sex workers face a lot of challenges, including arrests, violent clients, diseases, harsh working conditions and even murder,' she said.
