Sex workers or Househelps? Slum women throng upmarket estates of Yaya and Kileleshwa areas in search of houselp jobs but end up as sex slaves for a day’s wage

In abid to escape poverty and fend for their families, many young women throng the leafy suberbs of Kilimani,Yaya and Kileleshwa areas seeking for househelp jobs.

We spoke to some of them who narrated the horrow ordeal they go through before they earn their daily bread.

Take the story by Anna (not her real name) who stays in Kibra area, she has three kids and the first one was born while she was sitting her kcse exams back in the village. After the kid turned one year, Anna set off to Nairobi to look for gainful emplyement in the city. Being fresh from the village she fell prey to city boys who made her pregnant and after she gave birth, the father took off. Not having learnt the lesson, Anna met a man who lied to her that he was in love and wanted to marry her. The two got married and she gave birth to her third born. As fate would have it, the man lost his job as a security guard. The guy could not withstand the frustration caused by joblessness so he turned to alcohol and became an addict.

Anna was so determined to raise her kids and when fellow women suggested to her that they hit the road and look for laundry work “kwa wadosi”, she gladly took the offer.

“Kazi iikuwa poa, at times a good boss would pay you 500/ plus some flour, suger, cooking oil and some old clothes to take home.

There are some especially men who take advantage and want to have sex with you. When such an offer comes we rarely turn it down especially when you think of your kids hungry and an irresponsible husband whose only business is alcohol. Yes we give in to that but we get something ontop of the agreed wage.” Anna narrated.

We asked Anna if they care to use protection which she laughs and quiped, “Condom ya nini? Kama ni kifo hata tusipokufa na ukimwi njaa itatua tu”.(why use a condom? Even if we dont die of Aids, we may starve to death).

We further asked her if she was worried of her husband discovering to which she answered, ” My husband cant even remember the last time she saw my naked body, he always come in late and drunk and whenever he discovers some elements of soberness he is ready out to look for another drink, he at times confuses my name with Mama Pima’s.”

Mbatha (not her real name) also narrated the same but added that most of those who abuse them are single men. Mbatha narrates that she was forced to service two brothers who lived together but none knew about it. “We only focus on the returns, reputation and other things may follow later.” Added Mbatha