This archive report was first published on 19 October 2019.
Published on October 19, 2019, a video on Facebook showed a middle-aged man soliciting for sex in broad daylight along a busy Nairobi street. The video sparked a curiosity in journalist Joan Thatiah, who set out to investigate whether male prostitutes were a common sight in downtown Nairobi.
After numerous trips to the area, Thatiah did not spot any men soliciting for sex, but instead saw women of various ages, including pregnant ones, engaging in the activity.
Thatiah hypothesized that prostitution had moved from the streets to the internet, and decided to search for male prostitutes online. A simple Google search revealed various adverts promising 'a good time' from young, handsome men. Thatiah sent WhatsApp messages as instructed, but was asked to provide a photo, a list of qualities, and a membership fee ranging from Sh350 to Sh2,000.
Thatiah then joined the Nairobi Cougar Lounge Facebook group, where young men looking for women who could pay them for sex and sex agencies mingling freely. The group had over 3,900 members.
Thatiah met with Nelson, a 27-year-old man who had been a sex worker for three years. Nelson explained that his clients were not looking for years of sexual experience, but rather someone to have an exciting sexual experience with. He also stated that his clients were often women who were not getting the physical stimulation they needed at home.
Thatiah also met with James, a 29-year-old dancer and stripper who offered other services for a fee. James preferred to be referred to as a dancer or model, and stated that he hated the term 'male prostitute.'
According to UNAIDS, there are 133,675 sexual workers in Kenya. Thatiah's investigation highlighted the growing trend of women seeking out men for physical gratification in contractual no-strings-attached arrangements, often through social media and dating apps.
