This archive report was first published on 19 October 2019.
October 19, 2019
Kenya's coastal region has been rocked by a disturbing trend where poverty-stricken individuals are renting out their spouses and young children to engage in sexual activities with tourists for cash.
According to reports, this illicit trade has become socially accepted in towns and villages along the coast, despite efforts by authorities and charity organizations to combat it.
One tour guide, James Kimani, revealed that he had been approached by a tourist who was willing to pay for a weekend with his wife. Kimani, who was struggling to make ends meet, saw this as an opportunity to earn some money and agreed to hook up his wife with the tourist.
Kimani's wife, who was initially hesitant, eventually agreed to take up the challenge and the couple devised a plan to pretend to be siblings to avoid raising suspicion. The wife has since been in the business, earning Ksh40,000 monthly, which is used to pay school fees for their two children.
However, Kimani's wife has been away for two weeks on one occasion, leaving him to care for their children. Despite the challenges, Kimani remains hopeful that his wife will continue to earn a good income and provide for their family.
