A recent survey that was conducted in 34 counties has shown counties with the highest number of sex workers.
Of the 167,940 Female Sex Workers (FSWs) estimated in all 34 counties, 39,643 were found in Nairobi. READ FULL STORY
It was followed by Nakuru which had 17,708 sex workers, Mombasa with 8,187, Kajiado with 7,642 and Kilifi with 6,696.
Other towns that made to counties with most sex workers include Kisii (6,538), Kiambu (5,810), Kisumu (5,15), Machakos (4,916) and Migori (4,709).
More than 90 per cent of the sex workers were found to concentrate in 24 counties.
Additionally, the report showed a total number of 14,760 geographical venues or hotspots and locations were identified for all different Key Populations (KPs) typologies with female sex workers having the highest number of 10,987 venues or hotspots in all 34 counties.
The typology of venues ranged from bars with lodging, bars without lodging, guest houses, streets, sex dens and uninhabited buildings.
Bars without lodging accounted for 5,099 (46.4 per cent) of the total FSW venues or hotspots followed by bars with lodging at 3,769 (34.3 per cent).
The typology of venues ranged from bars with lodging, bars without lodging, guest houses, streets, sex dens and uninhabited buildings.
Prostitution in Kenya exists within a complex legal framework.
While national law does not explicitly criminalize prostitution, related activities such as soliciting in public places and operating brothels can be illegal.
This creates a gray area where sex work is tolerated in some contexts but can also lead to police harassment and arrests.
Local authorities, particularly in urban areas like Nairobi, have enacted regulations that can criminalize aspects of sex work, contributing to an inconsistent enforcement of laws.
Some police officers may target sex workers for harassment or extortion, while others may overlook their activities, resulting in a climate of fear and vulnerability.
Economic factors play a significant role in the prevalence of sex work in Kenya.
Many individuals enter the profession as a means of survival, driven by poverty and a lack of employment opportunities.
Economic hardship often forces both men and women into sex work, with many being single mothers or young women supporting their families.
Additionally, rural-to-urban migration contributes to the dynamics of sex work, as individuals move to cities like Nairobi or coastal towns in search of better opportunities, only to find themselves in precarious situations that lead them into the profession.
Health implications for sex workers in Kenya are serious, particularly concerning sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV.
The prevalence of HIV among sex workers is estimated to be around 30%, significantly higher than the national average.
Access to healthcare services, including testing and treatment, is often limited, and the stigma surrounding sex work can deter individuals from seeking help.
Various NGOs and health organizations work to provide support and health services to sex workers, including education on safe sex practices, access to condoms, and regular health check-ups.
These initiatives are crucial in addressing the health risks faced by this population.
