Sex Trade Breeds Wealth and 'Curses' in Mount Kenya

The sex work industry in the Mt. Kenya region has undergone a major transformation, emerging as a contentious yet economically impactful sector.

This development has sparked intense debate, with Kikuyu community elders voicing strong opposition, citing cultural and moral concerns. They argue that the normalization of commercial sex work could invite societal "curses" and necessitate urgent communal introspection and action. Across the mountainous towns, the proliferation of sex-trade establishments has become a barometer for local economic activity. Kung'u Muigai, a respected Gikuyu elder, expresses alarm at the growing acceptance of what he terms "twilight life," warning that it entraps both men and women in a cycle of poverty and moral decline.

This shift occurs against a backdrop of challenging economic conditions, characterized by a deteriorating job market and social instability including widespread substance abuse. For many individuals, the sex trade represents a desperate yet financially viable option. A 32-year-old sex worker from Makutano town details her daily routine of multiple client visits driven by financial necessity rather than choice. Her monthly earnings of Sh80,000 come with significant overhead costs, including rent, personal safety measures, and protection fees paid to criminal elements and corrupt officials.

The sex work industry has inadvertently stimulated other sectors of the local economy. Real estate investors, in particular, have capitalized on the demand for lodging among sex workers. Kabiru Kanene, an investment director at Rwathia Investments, notes that many landlords are prospering by catering to this clientele with some establishments reporting up to 90% occupancy by sex workers. Some lodgings even offer discounts to attract these individuals, creating an unusual symbiosis between commercial sex and the hospitality industry.

The impact extends to bars and eateries, which have become de facto hubs for this trade. Joseph Kamau observes that men frequenting these venues often purchase additional drinks and meals for the sex workers they engage, further boosting local businesses. While male sex workers exist, they remain less visible due to societal stigma, contrasting with their relatively more accepted female counterparts. Despite its illegal status, sex work has garnered attention from high-level government officials. During his campaign, President William Ruto directly addressed sex workers, pledging support for their welfare.

However, the sex work industry is fraught with dangers and ethical dilemmas. Clients face risks such as blackmail, as evidenced by a former political leader from Kirinyaga County who recounted a personal experience of extortion following an encounter in Thika. The relationship between law enforcement and the sex trade raises troubling questions about morality, legality, and exploitation. Veteran officials like Joseph Kaguthi have pointed out that security agencies often find themselves entangled with the very activities they are meant to regulate.

While Kikuyu elders staunchly oppose the normalization of sex work, viewing it as a source of societal decay, others advocate for a more pragmatic approach. Advocates like Faith Ndung'u from the Aids Healthcare Foundation argue that efforts should focus on creating safer environments for sex workers rather than attempting to eradicate the practice entirely. They emphasize the need for basic safety measures, including adequate access to condoms and healthcare resources, suggesting that improving working conditions for sex workers is a more realistic and humane approach than denying their existence.