This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
Nakuru Town: Where Sex Workers Have Organized Saccos ¶
Prostitution is a common phenomenon in many Kenyan towns, including Nakuru. However, a group of sex workers in Nakuru has taken their profession to a new level by forming a highly organized and functional savings and credit cooperative, known as a sacco.
According to a sex worker who spoke to Nyakundi Report, the group, which has been in existence for several decades, has a 'merry-go-round' system where older members retire and new ones are recruited. Each member contributes Ksh. 1,000 every week, which is given to one of them for personal development.
The group has also taken the game a notch higher by forming a sacco, where they save their money and give loans to members. The sacco is well-guarded, with the members having the contacts of the bouncers at the nightclubs where they operate.
One of the sex workers, Emily, revealed that the group meets every Friday to plan, discuss, and strategize for the weekend and weeks ahead. They also discuss the minimum amount each individual should charge their clients, which is arrived at according to the time of the month.
Emily also disclosed that the service rates do not remain constant and range between Sh3,000 and Sh10,000 per night, especially on end-months. She added that underhand tactics to win more clients, such as lowering prices, are frowned upon.
Another sex worker, Anne, revealed that most of the men they entertain are married men who lie to their wives about their whereabouts. She also said that the sex workers are well-disciplined and that those who go against the laid-down rules and regulations are punished with heavy fines.
According to Emily, the group is well-guarded, and if you fail to pay them, they have the contacts of the bouncers and can call them from anywhere to come and collect the debt.
