Curfew: Mombasa sex workers decry low business
Commercial sex workers in Mombasa County have complained of low clients' flow after the government announced the implementation of dusk to dawn national curfew due to COVID-19.
They say the decline of customers has forced them to endure unbearable life and many are forced to accept as little as Sh50 for services in case any client shows up.
They say many of their clients are men who are now 'held hostage by their wives'.
Marilyne Laini, one of the members from High Voice Africa organization, complained that many of them depended on night clubs revelers and foreign tourists visiting the coastal region but since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country, business has deteriorated.
"Our clients are men and now since the corona disease came to Kenya, men have opted to stay at home with their wives, business has gone down and many of us who depended on this business are suffering,” said Laini.
Speaking exclusively to People Daily in Mombasa, a number of them are now appealing to Mombasa county governor Hassan Joho to consider them in the food rationale programe to cushion them from hunger.
Sophy William, a 35-year-old mother of two said she has 15 years of experience in the business, but says the decline of clients has affected her livelihood.
She says she has managed to educate her two children using the money she gets from the business.
“I have done this business for a about 17 years since I dropped out of school in 2002 since my parents could not afford to pay fees for me.Our appeal is that the government should consider us during this time we are suffering,”said William.
Despite health and harassment risks, many engage in prostitution because of poverty, joblessness and some by choice.
In Mombasa despite the threats of Covid-19, normal businesses operate secretly during the day.
