Nairobi records highest number of men getting intimate with fellow men

New data reveals a startling surge in those turning to sex work.

Of concern, however, is the substantial proportion of underage individuals involved in the trade.

In the shadows of Kenya’s bustling cities and quiet rural towns, a significant shift has been quietly unfolding over the past decade. New data reveals a startling surge in the number of individuals turning to sex work, painting a complex picture of economic desperation, societal changes, and evolving gender dynamics.

This is according to recent studies conducted by researchers from the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, the Key Population Consortium of Kenya, and Partners for Health and Development in Africa.

Others are the Global Health Program of the University of California San Francisco, and the Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Canada.

The most striking finding is a 26 per cent increase in female sex workers (FSWs) and a staggering 76 per cent rise in men who have sex with men (MSM) over the past decade.

As of 2018, more than 167,000 Kenyans identify as female sex workers, while approximately 32,000 identify as men who have sex with men.

“Comparing the size estimates of KPs from 2012, we have noticed a 26 per cent increase in the overall estimated number of Female Sex Workers (FSW) (133,675 to 167,940) and a 76 per cent increase in Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) (18,460 to 32,580), while the number of People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) has decreased from 18,327 to 16,063,” the researchers said.

While improved mapping and estimation techniques may account for some of the increase, researchers believe there has been a genuine rise in these populations.

The surge raises important questions about the factors driving more Kenyans into sex work and the implications for public health and social policy.

Kenya’s economic landscape has been turbulent over the past decade, with periods of growth often failing to translate into improved living conditions for many citizens.

High unemployment rates, particularly among youth, have left many struggling to make ends meet. For some, sex work has become a means of survival in the face of limited job opportunities and financial pressures.

Changing social norms and increased urbanization have also played a role. As more Kenyans move to cities in search of opportunities, traditional support systems can break down, leaving individuals vulnerable to exploitation. 

Additionally, there’s been a gradual shift in attitudes towards sexuality and gender identity, which may have contributed to more people openly identifying as MSM or transgender.

The study revealed that sex work is not evenly distributed across Kenya.

“Eighteen counties collectively accounted for 80 per cent of all FSWs, while eight counties accounted for 80 per cent of MSM,” the study revealed.

For MSM, Nairobi again tops the list at 31 per cent, with Kilifi and Mombasa each accounting for 9 per cent.

This concentration in urban areas highlights the link between sex work and economic opportunities, as well as the potential for targeted interventions in these hotspots.

One of the most concerning findings is the substantial proportion of underage individuals involved in sex work.

An estimated 9 per cent of FSWs and MSM, and 11 per cent of PWIDs, were under 18 years of age.

“There are approximately 14,809 FSWs under the age of 18. The number of FSWs per 1,000 adult females is estimated at 11.6 per cent. On average, each venue associated with sex work has about 15 FSWs,” The research says. 

This revelation underscores the urgent need for child protection measures and interventions to prevent the exploitation of minors. 

In Kenya, according to Gates Open Research 2023, which was last updated in July 19, 2024, there are an estimated 32,580 MSM. Of these, approximately 29,489 are under 18 years old, and 11,807 engage in sex work.

The research identified 2,153 venues frequented by MSM, with an average of 15 MSM per venue. The study also estimates that MSM represent 2.37 per cent of the adult male population in the region.

The study examined the hours of operation for venues frequented by MSM. It found that client activity varied significantly throughout the day.

Morning hours until noon saw only 5 per cent of total clientele. Activity increased in the afternoon (12-5pm) to 17 per cent. The busiest periods were in the evening (5-9pm) with 71 per cent of clientele, and at night (9pm onwards) with 72 per cent of clientele.

The study revealed significant weekly patterns in MSM venue attendance. The research noted that weekdays saw lower activity, with Monday at 12 per cent, followed by a drop to 6 per cent on Tuesday and 8 per cent on Wednesday.

There was a slight uptick to 13 per cent on Thursday, before a substantial increase to 37 per cent on Friday. The weekend showed the highest activity, with Saturday at 85 per cent and Sunday at 86 per cent, indicating a clear preference for weekend socializing among this community. 

The research highlights top venues for sex workers in Kenya. These venues include: Streets, parks, beaches, public toilets, residential areas, sex dens or brothels, strip clubs, massage parlors, barber shops and salons, bars with lodging, bars without lodging, guest houses, uninhabited buildings, drug dens and casino clubs. The study also noted that there are other, unspecified locations where sex work takes place.

Kenya has long battled a serious epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with unprotected heterosexual sex being the most common method of HIV transmission.

HIV prevalence among key populations remains alarmingly high, with 29.5 per cent of FSWs, 18.2 per cent of MSM, and 18.9 per cent of PWIDs being HIV positive.

These rates far exceed the national adult HIV prevalence of 4.9 per cent, highlighting the disproportionate impact on sex workers and their clients.

Community-based interventions have shown promise in addressing the health risks associated with sex work. Since 1982, small-scale efforts have been made to prevent STIs among sex workers. Some peer groups have successfully increased condom use to 80 per cent within targeted intervention groups.

However, these successful models have not been scaled up to a national level, leaving most Kenyan sex workers at grave risk. 

The new data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, nationwide programs that can reach all corners of the sex work industry.