Sex workers in Nairobi lost approximately Sh100 million in revenue in the first census weekend, Nairobi Journal has been told.
The Bar Hostess Empowerment and Support Programmed (BHESP) said the decision by Interior CS Fred Matiang’i to declare a ‘curfew’ of sorts on pub operations between August 24 and 25 was to blame for the loss of business.
The government ordered bars and other drinking joints to be closed at 5pm to enable successful carrying out of the week-long exercise set to end tomorrow (August 31).
Peninah Mwangi, the group’s CEO said that many sex workers will have trouble paying fees for their children as schools are set to open next week.
“Around Sh100 million was lost over the weekend alone. It is sad because many are taking their children back to school next week, maybe it could have favoured them had it been conducted earlier or later,” said Ms Peninah.
She added, “Saturday determines the pace of the weekend. Our girls were going to make good money as the weekend fell at the end of the month. This has been quite a blow and the girls will have to hustle extra hard until the end of September.”
The CEO said that at the moment, there are 20,000 registered sex workers aged between 18 and 35 years who are based in Nairobi, with each taking home around Sh10,000 on a good day (or night).
