Mayor: We will not legalise sex work in city

By MUTINDA MWANZIA

About 7,000 prostitutes operate in Nairobi every night with each having an average of three to four clients.

A taskforce to investigate commercial sex work in Nairobi recommends that police and council officers be accompanied by female officers when arresting prostitutes.

While receiving the report, Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa reiterated that prostitution is illegal. "I will personally ensure every aspect of the report is implemented," added Aladwa.

He noted that sex work was still a major factor in the spread of HIV.

The report said harassment of sex workers by council askaris and police officers was rampant.

"It was also found that law enforcers who arrest female sex workers are male and often have no identification other than that of a police or council van," says the report.

The report also noted that most suspects secure their freedom by paying bribes or even sexual favours.

Also, some of the registered and licenced massage parlours are sex dens and brothels.

The taskforce made up of 26 persons from the civil society, public and private sector was formed a month ago to establish and recommend remedial measures on prostitution.

But sex workers who attended the launch of the report dismissed it, saying they were given a raw deal.

"We gave our recommendations especially on the need to dicriminalise the trade. We are disappointed ,"said James Mathenge.

The report also recommended that the issue of street families and hawkers in the city be addressed.