This archive report was first published on 21 October 2019.
Published on October 21, 2019, a report by Crazy Monday highlighted the struggles of commercial sex workers in Rift Valley, who are facing a tough season due to low tea bonuses paid to farmers.
The women, who travel from as far as Mombasa and Uganda, are complaining of bad business, with some making as little as Sh5,000 a night, a significant drop from the usual Sh10,000 or more.
According to Mary, a commercial sex worker, the low bonuses have made it difficult for them to make a living. "Ordinarily, on a good night when bonuses have been paid, we make close to Sh10,000 or even more. Since we arrived here early this month, making Sh5,000 a night is proving to be difficult," she said.
Despite the challenges, the girls are still arriving in tea-growing areas, with some already pitching tent in centres in the region. The towns of Silibwet, Mogogosiek, Sotik, and Kembu are already bustling with activities, with some locals welcoming the arrival of the twilight girls.
However, not everyone is pleased with the presence of the commercial sex workers. Sally Koech, a food vendor, said their arrival is a nuisance to wives in the area, posing a threat to marriages. She also expressed concerns about the safety of farmers, who may lose their hard-earned money to criminals accompanying the girls.
Local leaders have cautioned farmers against misusing their money on the girls, and some women groups have launched a sensitisation movement to warn farmers not to use their tea payment on entertainment.
