In Kenya, thousands of sex workers live in fear every day. They face violence, sickness, and even death—often with no one to help them. Many are women, some are men, and others are transgender. But they all share one thing: they are unseen and unprotected.
Sex work is not legal in Kenya. Because of this, sex workers are often afraid to go to the police when they are attacked. Some are beaten by clients. Others are abused by the police themselves. “We are treated like we don’t matter,” says Mercy, a 27-year-old sex worker in Nairobi. “If something happens to us, no one listens.”
Health is another big danger. Many sex workers cannot afford regular checkups or medicine. This puts them at higher risk for diseases like HIV. Some fear getting tested because of shame or judgment. Even though there are free clinics, they say they face rude treatment or long waits.
Groups that help sex workers are trying to make things better. They give free condoms, offer safe spaces, and teach about health and rights. But they need more support.
Experts say the Kenyan government must do more. Laws should protect sex workers from harm. Police should be trained to help, not hurt. Most of all, sex workers need to be seen as human beings with the right to live and work in safety.
Until then, many will continue to live in the shadows unseen, unheard, and unprotected.
By Nairobi