This archive report was first published on 19 October 2019.
Sex for Sale in Nairobi ¶
October 19, 2019
As I walked through the streets of downtown Nairobi, I couldn't help but notice the prevalence of prostitution. But what struck me was the absence of men soliciting for sex. Instead, it was the women, young and old, who were openly offering their services.
After conducting some research, I discovered that prostitution has largely moved online, with many men advertising their services on social media and dating apps. I decided to explore this phenomenon further and spoke to two men, Nelly and James, who are part of this industry.
Nelly, 27, has been a sex worker for three years. He told me that he got into the business to support his family, as his parents are casual laborers and he has 10 siblings to care for. He earns a decent income from his clients, who are mostly women looking for a 'lifestyle upgrade.'
According to Nelly, his clients are not looking for years of sexual experience, but rather someone who can provide them with an exciting and stimulating experience. He also revealed that many of his clients are married women who are seeking a way to spice up their sex lives.
Maurice Matheka, a relationship and sexual psychology expert, agrees that many women are seeking a way to add excitement to their sex lives. He explains that there are two types of sex: recreational and procreation. 'Most of the sex happening in our homes is for procreation purposes, which is usually boring and obligatory,' he says.
James, 29, is another sex worker who has been in the industry for a few years. He told me that he got into the business after graduating from college, as he couldn't find a job in his field. He earns a decent income from his clients, who are mostly women looking for a 'good time.'
James also revealed that many of his clients are women who are seeking a way to add excitement to their sex lives. He agrees with Nelly that many women are not looking for years of sexual experience, but rather someone who can provide them with a stimulating experience.
As I spoke to Nelly and James, I couldn't help but wonder about the motivations behind this trend. Are women seeking a way to add excitement to their sex lives, or are they seeking a way to escape their relationships? The answer, it seems, is a bit of both.
