This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
Streetwise Nairobi Drug Peddlers Disguised As Commercial Sex Workers ¶
On a typical night in Nairobi's CBD, a group of street urchins can be found along Duruma Road, a stretch that has become a hub for illicit activities.
According to eyewitnesses, a woman known as Daz, who poses as a commercial sex worker, has been operating on the street for close to three years. She is said to be a common figure among the street urchins, who have formed a network with her and other drug peddlers.
Our fixer, who has been observing the situation, revealed that the police rarely conduct patrols on the street, allowing the drug peddlers to operate freely. 'This is what usually happens here on a daily basis, be it during the day and at night,' our fixer said.
As we walked further down the street, we noticed that the commercial sex workers were busy trying to attract their customers. One of them, Keziah, revealed that they don't mind where the 'action' takes place, as long as they get paid. 'If the client is willing to pay for a room, we usually accept it. It's a favour for us because we stay warm in the rooms,' she said.
Despite the illicit activities that take place on the street, our sources revealed that it is one of the safest areas in downtown Nairobi. 'On my first day here, I feared for the worst. But four years later, I'm just okay. I have also never witnessed any kind of insecurity issues here,' Harrison, a street trolley pusher, said.
