baseline survey on children in commercial sex in kenya's four

Baseline survey on children in commercial sex in Kenya's four

towns of Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nyeri

Report

January 2008

International Programme on The Elimination Of Child Labour (IPEC)

Acknowledgements

This report was produced by Sam Owuor Ogola, Lead Consultant, and Patricia Jane Ochieng, Consultant, for IPEC.

Funding for this ILO publication was provided by the United States Department of Labor (KEN/04/50/USA).

This publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the United States Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the United States Government.

ILO's International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC).

Copyright © International Labour Organization 2010 – ISBN: 978‐92‐2‐127278‐6 (Web PDF).

ILO's publications enjoy copyright under Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. Nevertheless,

short excerpts from them may be reproduced without authorization, on condition that the source is

indicated. For rights of reproduction or translation, application should be send to [email protected] .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of figures ___________________________________________________________________ List of acronyms__________________________________________________________________ Executive summary__________________________________________________________ i

1:1. Introduction and background_______________________________________________ 0 1:2. Justification ____________________________________________________________ 1 1:3 objectives of the survey___________________________________________________ 1 1:4 study towns and sectors___________________________________________________ 1

1: 4:1 study towns _________________________________________________________ 1 1:4:2. Study sectors and population targeted ____________________________________ 1 Chapter two: survey methodology_______________________________________________ 3

2:1 methodology___________________________________________________________ 3 2:1:2. Sources of information ________________________________________________ 3 2:1:3. Study design ________________________________________________________ 3 2:1:4. The process was divided into the following parts: ___________________________ 4 2:1.5 inductions of research assistants ________________________________________ 5 2:1.6. Task allocation ______________________________________________________ 5 2:1.7. Network techniques___________________________________________________ 5 2:1.8 facilitating factors____________________________________________________ 5

2:2 sampling _____________________________________________________________ 6 2:2:1. Sampling size determination and procedures_______________________________ 6 2:2:2. Purposive sampling___________________________________________________ 6 2:2:3. Stratified sampling ___________________________________________________ 6 2:2:4. Snowballing ________________________________________________________ 7 2:3.1 challenges and limitations encountered ___________________________________ 7 Chapter three :literature review _________________________________________ 10

3:1. Defining worst forms of child labour _______________________________________ 10 3:2. Literature review_______________________________________________________ 10

Chapter four: baseline survey results and findings__________________________ 15

4:1. Baseline survey findings _________________________________________________ 15 4:2. Root cause of children’s engagement in commercial sex ________________________ 20 4:3. Break down of traditional systems of the family._______________________________ 20 4:4 forms of child labour activities identified from the survey _______________________ 21 4:5. Worst forms of child labour_______________________________________________ 22

Chapter five: profiles of children in commercial sex, language, clientele, strategies and activities _________________________________________________________ 23

5:1. Profiles of children engaged in commercial sex_______________________________ 23 5:2. Commercial sex languages _______________________________________________ 24 5:3. Condoms _____________________________________________________________ 24 5:4. Clients who seek services of commercial sex workers __________________________ 24 5:5. Prostitution strategies ___________________________________________________ 25 5:6. Characteristics and approximated population of commercial sex workers __________ 26

Chapter six: results and discussions of survey findings ______________________ 28

SURVEY ON CHILDREN IN COMMERCIAL SEX ILO-IPEC TBP, 2007


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6:0. Children in commercial sex_______________________________________________ 28 6.1 background and characteristics of the study __________________________________ 28

6:1:1 children engagement in commercial sex work __________________________ 28 6:1:2 age, level of education and schools attended by the respondents____________ 29 6:1:3. Respondents in school, daily attendance and if parents are alive ____________ 30 6:1:4. Length of time and initiation of into commercial sex work _________________ 30 6:1:5. Child residential area, living with and parent and guardians occupation _____ 31 6:1:6. Source of clients, age and race preference, condom use and influence of alcohol in

sex trade ____________________________________________________ 32 6:1:7. Number of clients and awareness and discussion of hiv/aids and mode of payment

____________________________________________________________ 34 6:1:8. Client’s behaviour, number of friends in the same activity and children’s action

____________________________________________________________ 34 6:1:9. Parental awareness, opinion and children contribution at the household ____ 35 6:1:10. Treatment and consideration of friendly treatment centers and hazards and __ 36 6:1:11. Current and preferred future and willingness to quit ____________________ 37

6:2. Children school drop outs ________________________________________________ 38 6.2.1. Introduction__________________________________________________ 38 6:2:2. Age, position of birth, level of Education and school attended __________ 39 6:2:3. Reasons for leaving school, parent/guardian occupation and who the child

lives with ____________________________________________________ 40 6:2:4. Child’s rationale of engagement in CSW ___________________________ 41 6:2:5. Clients Approach, location of sexual activity, age and race preference ___ 41 6:2:6. Drugs and sex, condom use and discussion on HIV/Aids_______________ 41 6:2:7. Payment, client’s behaviour and actions taken incase of no payment _____ 42 6:2:8 Work Exposure to CSEC and type of friends ________________________ 43 6:2:9. Parental awareness, future and alternatives and reasons ______________ 43 6:2:10. Community reaction ad assistance to children in CSEC _______________ 44

6:3. Mature Commercial Sex Workers___________________________________________ 45 6:3:1. Background and Survey results __________________________________ 45 6:3.2 Source of clients and preferred location race and age preference ________ 46 6:3:3. Number of Clients, Mode of payment and client’s behaviour____________ 46 6:3:4. Parental Awareness and Contribution towards household expenditure ___ 47 6:3:5. Timings of Respondents Health and Hazards and difficulties met at work _ 48 6:3:6. Current Occupations and Preference of quitting_____________________ 48 6:4. House Hold Parents________________________________________________________ 49 6:4:1. Age and Gender Distribution of Respondents _______________________ 50 6:4:2. Occupation and Incomes of Parents_______________________________ 50 6:4:3. Who the child lives with ________________________________________ 51 6:4:4 Age children started working and their contribution towards household

expenditure __________________________________________________ 52 6:4:5. Gender division of labour ______________________________________ 52 6:4:6. Parents Occupation, Decision Making and Provision for Children_______ 53 6:4:7: Timings of Children at home and their nocturnal activities ____________ 54 6:4:8. Knowledge of children engaged in commercial sex in the Neighbourhood and

if own children are involved including parental opinion _______________ 55 6:4. Teachers Counselor______________________________________________________ 58



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6:4:1. Introduction__________________________________________________ 58 6:4:2. Length in profession of teachers__________________________________ 59 6:4:3. Socio-economic profile of pupils, performance and school attendance levels

____________________________________________________________ 59 6.4.4. Children in commercial sex, their identification and challenges faced during

counseling ___________________________________________________ 61 6.4.5. Schools response and mitigation measures towards commercial child sex _ 63 6.4.6. Teachers perceptions and observations on pupils’ behavior ____________ 63 6.4.7. Teacher pupil/relations_________________________________________ 64 6.4.8 Cases of children who have been reintegrated back school/skills training

programs after being in CSEC and coping strategies _________________ 64 6.4.9. Opinion on what can be done to alleviate the problem of child commercial sex

work________________________________________________________ 65 6.5 Government Department _________________________________________________ 66

6.5.1. Respondents Handling Children’s issues ___________________________ 66 6.5.2. Identification of Children in Commercial Sex_______________________ 67 6.5.3. Cases of commercial sex encountered _____________________________ 68 6.5.4. Problems/hazards that the Commercial Sex Worker experiences ________ 68 6.5.5. Challenges encountered when handling children engaged in commercial sex

____________________________________________________________ 69 6.5.6. Other forms of exploitation children in Commercial Sex Work experience _ 69 6.5.7 Recommendations for addressing this problem ______________________ 70

6.6 Employers ____________________________________________________________ 70 6.6.1 Introduction__________________________________________________ 70 6:6:2. Employers profiles, duration of business and gender distribution _______ 71 6.6.3. Employment Terms and conditions of work _________________________ 73 6.6.4. Provision of Health facilities to employees _________________________ 75 6.6.5. Hazards are employees exposed to and mitigation measures ___________ 76 CHAPTER SEVEN: DATA ANAYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS_________________ 77

7.1 Children School Drop Out________________________________________________ 78 CHAPTER EIGHT: SECTORAL INTERVENTIONS AND INITIATIV ES __Error! Bookmark not defined.

8.1 Government Intervention and Initiatives______________________________________ 80 8:2. Community Initiatives____________________________________________________ 80 8.3 Collaborative Efforts and Strategic Linkages Identified and Roles to be Played _______ 85

CHAPTER NINE: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATI ONS AND FUTURE STRATEGY ____________________________________________ 87

9.1. Summary and conclusion _________________________________________________ 87 9:2. Recommendations and task/ role assignments _________________________________ 89 9.3. Future strategy__________________________________________________________ 91

ANNEXES Annex One: Questionnaire Schedules Annex Two: Focused Group discussion Schedule Annex Three: List of Primary Schools Visited



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Annex Four: Types of Employers Interviewed Annex Five: Other respondents Annex Six: List of Research Assistants Annex Seven: List of Schools attended by children in CSW Annex Eight: List of residential areas

List of tables and figures Tables Table 1 Summary of Baseline survey findings Table 2: Forms of child labour identified from the selected study towns Table 3: Characteristics and approximated population of commercial sex workers in the four towns Figures Fig.1.1 Map of Kenya showing the study towns

Abbreviations and Acronyms CBOs Community Based Organizations

CDAs Community Development Assistants

CLAN Children’s Legal Action Network

CSEC Commercial Sex Exploitation of Children

CSWs Commercial Sex Workers

COVAW Coalition on Violence against Women

FBOs Faith Based Organizations

Fads Focus Group Discussions

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus/

Aids Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

ILO International Labour Organization

IPEC International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour

NGOs Non Governmental Organizations

PTA Parents Teachers Association

TOR Terms of Reference

TBP Time Bound Programme

VCT Voluntary Counselling and Testing

WFCL Worst Forms of Child Labour

OCS Officer Commanding Station

CPU Child Protection Units

IGAs Income Generating Activities

DCAC District Child Advisory Committees

DLCL District Child Labour Committee

Mo E Ministry of Education

Mo L Ministry of labour

SMC School management committee

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

IIECL International Initiative to End Child Labour

FPE Free Primary Education

IPU Inter Parliamentary Union

KI Key Informants



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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The baseline survey would not have been possible without the contribution the consultant team received from a number of people. First and foremost, we are grateful to Grace Banya, Irimu Wangui, Irene Mwai and other programme team members from the ILO-IPEC office Nairobi for their patience, insight, guidance and support during the exercise. The data collection exercise draws the support from various government departments: the Police, Probation, Children’s Department, Labour Department, the Local Government, Social Services and Education. Others include CBOs, NGOs, the business community and key Informants in the selected four study towns. The report production benefited from backup provided by the entire baseline survey team consisting of 12 research assistants, data entry clerks and data analysts for their dedication and tireless effort for this entire exercise including the facilitation of the consultants’ team of Sam Owuor Ogola and Jane Patricia Ochieng. The employers, teachers, household parents, the children in fulltime commercial sex work and mature CSWs and the children school drop outs interviewed have our deepest appreciation for their willingness and participation in the baseline survey, filling the questionnaires, participating in the interviews and focus group discussions. Their opinions and patience was commendable. Finally, we wish to express gratitude to the ILO-IPEC TBP for funding the baseline survey and are looking forward to future collaboration.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Commercial sex exploitation of children is the worst form of child labour that constitutes a form of oppression and cruelty to children consequential to forced labour and slavery. This has become a rampant social ill in the third world. In a bid to understand the underlying causes, nature and extent of the problem and how the attendant conditions impact on the overall development, health, physical, moral and mental ability of the employed children, ILO/IPEC through a consultant team undertook a baseline survey in four selected towns of Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nyeri in Kenya. The survey was carried out to determine the magnitude of WFCL with a focus on sexual exploitation of children looking into the commercial sex work by children. The primary objective of the survey was to asses through qualitative and quantitative means the extent of Commercial Sexual Exploitation Children (CSEC) in Kenya’s four selected towns. The survey focused on the nature, extent, cause and characteristics of CSEC; it developed profiles of commercial sex activities of the children and the study towns and identified the determinants of school drop outs, achievements and performance. It established the role of teachers, counsellors, the community, parents, employers and the government in solving CSEC and recommends, based on the survey findings, how to overcome the problem in addition to designing intervention programmes. A total of 327 respondents were reached in the survey as follows, 67 children engaged in commercial sex, 52 children school drop outs, 90 household parents interviewed including 57 teachers/counsellors, 13 government officers handling children’s issues and 48 employers. Other categories were 16 Community based Organizations and 11 child rescue and rehabilitation centres. The survey utilized both primary and secondary sources of data. The methods involved development of survey tools i.e. questionnaires for 6 categories of respondents, focus group discussion and interview guides. The preferred methods helped in determining the nature, cause and extent of CSEC and subsequently identifying the problem and society’s view towards CSEC as well as the existing intervention mechanisms. Secondary data was gleaned from documentary analysis of previous research done and literature reviewed. Key factors considered in conducting the baseline survey of children engaged in commercial sex include the following: 1. Unit of analysis was the children in commercial sex, children school drop out,

household parents and teachers/counsellors and other key informants via a survey through questionnaire administration.

2. Formal stratified and random sampling to ensure data representativity of the underlying population targeted.

3. The major survey findings indicated an increase in CSEC activities especially young girls who are still amateurs in the field

The expected outcomes 1. To know the number of children engaged in commercial sex in the four towns. 2. To establish the root cause, nature, extent and the vulnerability of the children

involved. 3. To develop a profile of children in the four towns.



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4. To determine the extent of school drop out from the population, age and the reasons. 5. Based on the study findings, to recommend ways of overcoming the problem The findings revealed an increase in the involvement of children in CSEC activities from very young ages as noted from the statistical inferences of the new entrants. The causality is linked to high incidences of poverty, peer influence, demands for good life, vulnerability of orphans and broken down societal fabric of family institution. Majority of the children involved in commercial sex are aged between 15-17years, although others are 11 years. Moreover 95% of the CSEC live with their friends and 41% with both parents and 26% with their mothers. It is worth noting that 83.6% of the CSWs interviewed were initiated by cousins, sisters and friends. Some of the parents are aware of the behaviour of their children since they are either the initiators or enjoy the proceeds from CSW. Most of the respondents use condoms as prevention mechanism, 63.5% are ignorant of HIV/Aids contraction and only 28.4% discuss HIV/Aids with clients while 70.1% do not. Majority of the respondents have single parents or are semi-orphans left at the mercy of relatives. Some of the parents are retired and unemployed. 32% of these children reside with their friends while 25% live with their mothers. 55.2% of these children who comprise 37 respondents had lost their fathers while the fathers of 29 child commercial sex workers i.e. 43.3% were alive. The survey findings revealed that most respondents dropped out of school due to poverty, early pregnancy, state of orphan hood and early adult responsibilities. Others dropped out due indiscipline and lack of interest in education. These culminated in their engagement in commercial sex work as a source of income to support themselves and their families including majority of their friends. Most of these school drop outs either reside with relatives and guardians. Even though the community is sympathetic to their plight, some are isolated and scorned. 65.4% of these children would go back to school if given a chance. In terms of the containment of the situation, the community recommended village polytechnics, initiation of income generating activities, and provision of opportunities for them to return to school. Households surveyed expressed mixed reactions towards children’s engagement in commercial sex. 68.9% of the respondents denied their children’s engagement in commercial sex while 19.6% admitted. The survey further revealed that the children also contribute towards household expenditure and only 63.3 % of parents do provide basic needs for their children. Various reasons were cited for children commercial sex work: search for husbands, preference for night club high life, peer influence and waning moral guidance. Poverty was cited as a critical variable for engagement in the sex trade for sustainability. Teachers and counsellors interviewed admitted that 24.6% of school going children engaged in commercial sex trade. They are able to identify these children using the following means: during counselling sessions, reports by fellow pupils, spotted at night clubs, possession of large sums of money in school, flashy and vibrant lifestyles, and attempts to seduce male teachers. The teachers and counsellors informed the survey that the performance of these children is poor due to absenteeism and lack of concentration in class. According to the survey, the impact of CSEC on the pupils lead to dropping out of school, stigma from the society, pregnancy, STDs, drug abuse and rejection by some parents. The school community recommends curbing child labour by establishing more rehabilitation centres, improved guidance and counselling, focused sensitization on the



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ills of CSEC, economic empowerment and parents spending more quality time with their children. 61.5% of the government respondents admitted that they meet more children engaging in commercial sex in their line of work. These are captured from: police charge sheets, patrols, behavioural patterns, dressing and self disclosure. The children consist of the ages of 14-18years, with their clientele ranging from Matatu touts, tourists, Asians, upper class males and drivers; while the curio dealers, bouncers and tour guides play the role of the main pimps. The survey findings highlighted the levels of sexual exploitation that the children are exposed to: abortions and death, used as spies for robbers, drug trafficking, poor pay for services, rape and trauma, child labour and discrimination from the society. Other hazards include sexual abuse from relatives, STDs and HIV, and exploitation from clients. Some of the challenges these children are confronted with include insincerity, isolation, violence, abusive language and lack of discipline and parental guidance. Some of the recommendations in this regard include the enactment of stringent laws, operationalization of the Sexual Offence Act, adoption of poverty reduction strategies, counselling and community sensitization on the ills of prostitution. The employers interviewed during the survey are engaged in various trades. Majority of them denied ever employing children, although observation indicated that some children as young as 13 years were in their employment. These children start working as early as 1.00 am to 5:00 am and are paid as low as Kshs. 80/= to Kshs. 200/= per day. Their terms of employment varied from casuals, commission based, to temporary and permanent employment. They are hardly provided with a healthy working environment. Only 14 business ventures in the whole study had HIV/Aids programme at workplace. Some of the hazards these child employees are exposed to include: rape, sexual harassment, drug abuse, chemical explosion, fires, cuts and burns, snake bites and poor/no salary. From the findings it emerged that they hardly have protection mechanisms in place, while very few employers provide security and transport at night. They have incomplete first aid kits and their referral system to hospital is left to the employee although others train and guide employees on safety mechanisms. From the survey findings it is apparent that poverty, peer influence, lack of parental guidance, broken homes and responsibilities of child headed households who are orphaned due to HIV/Aids are some of the root causes of engagement in CSEC. Others can be linked to peer influence; demands for good life and parental initiation and encouragement. While the magnitude of commercial sex trade in the four towns is on the rise making it the worst form of child labour that is cheap and most exploited. Part of the recommendations for the way forward emerging from the survey is to improve sensitization mechanisms on the dangers of prostitution. Further, focused training of professional counsellors in the school environment should be strengthened. There is need to clearly identify alternative sources of income in order to reduce the current levels of poverty which predestine many young people to commercial sex work.

CHAPTER ONE

1:1. Introduction and Background Child labour and its attendant ills such as sexual exploitation of children has become a rampant social ill plaguing the third world. In line with efforts being made to combat this ill the Kenya government has ratified the ILO convention 182 on Worst Forms of Child Labour. It is against this background that the Kenya government secured technical assistance from ILO’s International Program on the Elimination of Child Labour; in the form of project support to assist it fulfil its international obligations within the said convention. The survey which forms part of this initiative focuses on both girl and boy children unlike other surveys of this nature which had a bias towards the girl child. The International Labour Organization [ILO] has been working on initiatives aimed at addressing the plight of children in employment, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the practice in totality. The International programme on Elimination of Child Labour [IPEC] has designed and is implementing a project supporting the Government’s National Plan of Action on the Elimination of Worst forms of Child Labour.

In a bid to understand the underlying causes, nature and extent of the problem and how the attendant conditions impact on the overall development [health, physical, moral and mental] of the employed children, ILO/IPEC undertook a survey in four selected towns of Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nyeri, focusing on commercial sexual exploitation of children. The information obtained from this study shall be used to design intervention programmes to curb sexual exploitation of children. The baseline survey carried out in the four towns identified and determined the magnitude of WFCL with a specific focus on sexual exploitation of children looking into the commercial sex work by children.

In this project, respondents from the four selected towns were drawn from several sectors and the wider community, which included children in commercial sex work, children school drop outs and the children currently in school but still engaged in commercial sex activities. Other respondents included mature commercial sex workers, employees in government departments’ i.e. provincial administration, children’s department, probation office, ministry of health, ministry of education, local authorities and the police department in particular child protection units. In addition to interviewing community development assistants and officers of various departments of local authorities, teachers, parents, highway transit operators, beach communities, farmers, managers within the hospitality industry, boda boda self help groups and the community in various informal settlements in general; the district labour office was also key in generating data that informed this research. The methodology utilized involved interviews on individual basis and focus group discussions as main sources of primary data. Several strategies had to be employed as level entry points into the community in order to carry out the study.

The results of the baseline survey revealed the root cause, nature, features and trends of children in commercial sex work. It has been able to identify and provide a profile of the children engaged in commercial activities in addition to challenges, problems and hazards faced at work. It is worth mentioning the situation of commercial sex activity to be on the increase due to poverty, death of



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parents, unemployment, broken down traditional systems and broken families. The respondents who included stakeholders from the civil society identified gaps and issues by proposing mechanisms for reducing the magnitude of commercial sex trade within the community. These proposals provide the basis on which a course of interventions can be drawn and subsequently identifies the gaps for further research. The results of the survey is useful to the government, NGOs working on child issues, CBOs, schools, communities, researchers and all other stakeholders interested in eliminating this ill in the society.

1:2. Justification According to the child labour survey conducted in 1989 in Kenya majority of the working children (43.6%) were in the cohort age of 10-14years and 30.1% were in the age group of 15-17years. Most of the children had basic education while others had no formal schooling. The findings of the survey indicated that most children were engaged in unpaid family work and other agriculture and manufacturing related labour. Amongst the gaps identified was the need for more in-depth research in the commercial sex sector. It is a sector subjective to the worst forms of child labour that has not been adequately studied hence the intervention targeted remain very inadequately uninformed. It is against this background that the foundation of the study is derived.

1:3 Objectives of the Survey

The objectives of this survey are: 1. To asses through qualitative and quantitative means the extent of Commercial Child

Sexual Exploitation CSEC in the four major towns in Kenya of Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nyeri.

2. Develop a profile of children working in commercial sex in the four towns. 3. Identify and understand the determinants of school drop out and the impact of CSEC on

children’s and school achievements/performance. 4. To recommend, based on the survey findings, on how to overcome the problem.

1:4 Study Towns and Sectors

1: 4:1 Study Towns Nairobi. Nairobi which is the capital city of Kenya is not only the largest city in the region but is also a major industrial and commercial centre. It is a major communication hub and hosts the headquarters of many regional and international bodies; and many international conferences and workshops. This makes it a melting point where many people of various backgrounds meet and interact. Its population of approximately 4 million encompasses all the Kenyan ethnic groups as well as many foreigners of all social and economic status. Like any other third world city of its size Nairobi shares the unique socio-economic problems of such cities. Unlike any other city in Kenya or even in the region it has a large population of poor people who live in what has arguably been termed as some of the largest informal settlement in Africa, with problems unique to such environments. Studies have shown that children living in large city slums suffer many forms of exploitation due to poverty. These considerations make a breeding ground for all forms of child abuse, including CSEC. Observations and characteristics of commercial sex activities indicate their rising numbers and application of a variance of tactics and strategies for survival and sustainability in the trade.



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Kisumu – A major port on Lake Victoria is the third largest city in Kenya. It is also the Kenya oil pipeline terminal point in western Kenya, from where drivers from east and central African countries come for petroleum products. The city is a major transit point along the great north road. The city is surrounded by agriculturally unproductive land a situation which has resulted in massive rural – urban migration as young people search for livelihoods. Kisumu is also a great fishing area, where the practice of Jaboya, fish for sex is rampant. HIV/AIDS has also rendered many children orphans, a situation that has created many child headed households, where children find themselves going out to work in order to support their siblings and sometimes their ailing parents and other relatives.

Eldoret – This is a major agricultural town in the Rift Valley province. There is heavy commercial farming and a seasonal flow of funds following the harvest of grains such as maize and wheat. It is also a major transit point to Uganda through Malaba frequented by heavy commercial drivers who lure children into the commercial sex work. Children often find themselves employed during the harvesting season and are, therefore, prone to child abuse and other forms of exploitation while working in the field.

Nyeri – This is a major town in Central province with both commercial and agricultural activities. The town is situated in a coffee and tea-growing region as well as dairy and horticultural farming. There is rampant child labour in the farms and plantations, and the high cash flow attracts women and young girls into prostitution.

Fig.1.1 MAP OF KENYA SHOWING THE STUDY

TOWNS



1:4:2. Study Sectors and Population Targeted

The following are the study sites, sector and the target population reached;

Study Sites Kisumu Nyeri Eldoret Nairobi Towns and Estates

Nyalenda Manyatta Nyamasaria Obunga Usoma Dunga Kondele Bandani Stage/Beer belt

Wetemere Kiawara Majengo Rirungu Mweiga Town Centre

Kamkunji, Huruma, Roadblock, Manyaka, Kambi Nyasi, Raiply-quarters, Baharini, Maile-Nne, Mwanzo, Kimumu, Sugunga, Cyrus Taire Mbili

Majengo, Mlolongo, Kibera, Huruma, Gikomba, Kawangware, Kangemi Mukuru. Korogocho

Schools Migosi Kudho ManyattaArab Kondele Ogango Kanyamedha Nanga Usoma Kosawo Pandpieri

Muringato Hill-farm DEB-Muslim Primary

Langas Kapsoya Plainview St Patrick’s

Pumwani Kangemi Kibera Kawangware Mukuru-kwa nyenga

Government Department

Police-CPU Labour office Education- MEO Probation Social services Health Provincial Administration Children’s Department

Police OCS Health Social services Children’s Department Provincial administration Labour office

Police-CPU Education MEO Probation Social services Health Provincial Administration Children’s Department Labour office

Children’s Department Social services Provincial administration Probation Labour office-Industrial area Police Central and Kamkunji

CBOs KASH Pambazuuko Tuungane Meta Meta

Family Health Options Kenya Kenya Network of Women with Aids (KENWA)

Kawangware empowerment group Mukuru young women progressive group Inuka- Embakasi Village Zindua Africa -Mukuru

Orphanages and Rehabilitation & Rescue Centres

Salem Hovic Over-comers St Rita

Shauri Yako Community Children and Youth Support Centre. Belwops Rescue Centre Huruma Children’s Home

Kipkeino Children’s Home Rescue Centre Neema Children’s Home Mully Childrens Home

Imani Children’s home-Kayole Mukuru community centre



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Kenya Red-cross Society of Kenya Children’s Home Thunguma Rehabilitation Centre Positive Rehabilitation Centre for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children

Bars/Hotels /Lodges

Naselica, Beograda Highway Kimwa Cresent Action Palace It is here Kilimani Guest House

Central Nyeri Star Green Oaks

Highland inn West Indies Wagon wheel

Kianda- Kibera Modern green- Luthuli Kengeles- Koinange Dolce- Koinange Florida 2000

Highway Transit Point

Highway Transit Point Bandani Kisumu/Busia Road

Highway transit points at Nyeri/Nanyuki road

Langas Highway Transit point Uganda Road

Mlolongo Highway Transit Point Nairobi/Mombasa/Namanga-Tanzania



CHAPTER TWO

2:0. SURVEY METHODOLOGY

2:1 Methodology This baseline survey is a key component of ILO IPEC TBP programme on child labour in particular the worst forms of child labour undertaken through external consultancy aimed at assessing through qualitative and quantitative means the extent of Commercial Sexual Exploitation Children CSEC in Kenya’s four selected towns of Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nyeri. Specifically, the survey looked into the nature, extent, causality and characteristics of CSEC that include their socio-economic backgrounds. The survey sought to develop a profile of these children, by identifying and understanding the determinants of school drop out, including the achievements and performance CSEC. Finally, the survey put together the statistical inferences and made recommendations based on the survey findings on how to address the problem of sexual exploitation of children. The survey utilized both primary and secondary sources of data, this involved development of survey tools, questionnaires, and focus group discussion guides. Literature review on works and researches carried both in Kenya and in other parts of the world on child labour and children in commercial sex work was carried out as part of secondary data collection.

2:1:2. Sources of Information The programme activities and gaps identified on surveys conducted by ILO IPEC on worst forms of child labour formed the basis of the survey. The survey was conducted utilizing the following key methods:

a) Questionnaire administration b) In-depth interviews with key informants and fulltime CSEC c) Focus group discussions d) Observation guides e) Intergenerational dialogues f) A review of available literature namely newspapers clippings, police reports and

government department reports, other organizational documents dealing with children’s issues

2:1:3. Study Design The survey adopted an informative practice and observation design based on demography, socio-economic environment, and behavioural patterns of the selected population. Documentary assessments and reports of community based organizations, Key Informants, Government departments and the wider community. The baseline survey sought to investigate and establish the root cause, nature and extent of CSEC. The design integrated both methodological triangulations utilizing multiple methods to study a single target group i.e. observations, intergenerational dialogue, and interviews and focus group discussions. In addition, data triangulation made use of several sources of data in the study from enumerated study units as follows:

1. The Government department handling children issues; Children’s Department, Probation office, Child Protection Units at the Police Stations, Government Hospitals, District Child



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Labour Committees; Education Officers and Provincial Administration and Local Authorities.

2. The transport sector identified Matatu drivers and touts, Boda Boda cyclists, the motor-cycle operators, truck drivers and packing bay attendants.

3. In the survey hotel industry provided useful information through the receptionists, waiters, cashiers, bouncers, watchmen, cleaners and house-keepers, patrons and managers

4. The schools provided data through teachers/ counsellors, parents, support staff and the pupils.

5. People involved in farms and farm produce selling points were enumerated in the survey as key informants on child labour and commercial sex exploitation of children.

6. The youths identified as informants in the study included house-helps, saloon girls, youth in/out of school, youths in petty trade and orphanages

7. The beach community in particular the management committee, operators, beach combers and fish mongers

8. Management and programme staff of Community based organizations, NGOs and FBOs dealing with issues concerning children were targeted within the study sites.

9. The media especially the journalists who highlights issues concerning commercial sex 10. Adult commercial sex workers. 11. Opinion leaders in the community. 12. Members of the public.

The use of data and methodological triangulations for multiple sources of information and evidence ensured validity, authenticity and reliability of the data gathered. Subsequently the study drew upon the subsequent population for its quantitative methodology and data utilizing a variance of questionnaires in the following categories:

1. Children in commercial sex 2. Children school drop outs 3. Mature Commercial Sex Workers 4. Household parents 5. Teachers /counsellors 6. Government Departments 7. Employers

2:1:4. The process was divided into the following parts: 1. Baseline survey planning between the consultant team and the ILO 2. Review literature and desk research to establish the definition of CSEC and study and

summaries of the findings of previous studies on CSEC issues 3. Design review and development of tools 4. Preparation and improvement of survey instruments 5. Field preparation and Site identification and recruitment and training of research

assistants and enumerators 6. Pre-test of the survey instruments 7. Data collection through field work 8. Code entry and cleaning of raw data 9. Content analysis of the FGDs 10. Provision of data sets to ILO-IPEC 11. Data analysis 12. Report writing including recommendations



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13. Presentation of findings on the survey 2:1.5 Inductions of Research Assistants The survey utilized 12 research assistants who were inducted on background of the research and the type of tools and instruments for survey on CSEC. These involved identification of research assistants with very good research background brought together for a one-day induction at Kisumu, Eldoret and Nyeri towns and two days induction for Nairobi. The team was inducted on the various research instruments concerning the study. The six categories of questionnaires were: Children in commercial sex; Children school drop out; Household parents; Teacher /counsellor; Government Departments and Employers. The team was taken through the processes of identifying CSWs, their operational times and nature of exploitation. They were taken through appropriate entry strategies in carrying out interviews with CSWs. The research assistants were introduced to various skills in FGDs and in-depth interviews for this particular target group. They were introduced to survey code of ethics such as kind of language used, attitude, diplomacy, respect and confidentiality of information provided. This was to help in realizing a common understanding of the nature, extent and characteristics of the commercial sex issues under investigation.

2:1.6. Task Allocation The research assistants were enumerated for tasks as the main consultant team was coordinating administration and obtaining permission letters and licensing fees for study in addition to introducing the research assistants. The consultant team was conducting the in-depth interviews simultaneously as the research assistants went to administer the questionnaires. Where they had obstacle the consultant team intervened to clarify issues. The consultant team also identified community development assistant who have been very helpful especially in the informal settlements.

2:1.7. Networking techniques Networking techniques was relevant in getting information and tips, creating friendship with some of the KIs and linkages with the relevant people and the targets respondents for the survey. The research assistants and the enumerators utilized their several networks to provide sources and venues where CSEC is rampant.

2:1.8 Facilitating factors The main factors that facilitated the success of the survey were team work between the consultant team, research assistants and the ILO-IPEC staff. This involved constant and regular communication and consultation leading to quick decision making and action especially during the data gathering phase which was the most challenging part taking into account the sensitivity and the nature of survey being conducted. Other factors were the mobilization exercise that needed tactics in particular for parents whose children were engaged in CSEC and were in denial. Others included monetary payment to some key informants and enumerators to provide useful tips and sources of data.



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2:2 Sampling

2:2:1. Sampling size determination and procedures The study utilized stratified sampling, purposive, snowballing and network techniques to identify children involved in CSEC and other relevant informants. The Community Development Assistants CDAs and community based groupings were important entry points into communities particularly in the slums. Other entry points were the police, adult commercial sex workers, pimps and hospitality and entertainment industry workers and teachers. The survey had targets of reaching at least 10 persons per target group for interview in each study site which was to make 90 respondents per site and totalling to 360 persons reached. The survey also aimed at identifying and fully interviewing at least 110 CSEC; 40 in Nairobi, 30 in Kisumu; and 20 each in Eldoret and Nyeri; and at least 20 interviews with other respondents in each location. The numbers interviewed were 327 out of which 66 were children in commercial sex and 13 were adult commercial sex workers of the population in identified locations within the study sites.

2:2:2. Purposive Sampling The focus groups were identified with the assistance of collaborating community and faith based organizations, provincial administration and Community Development Assistants and other Key Informants. For the purpose of plural investigation nature and extent of CSEC and their socio-economic background the exercise was conducted with a broad range of representation within the community to enable triangulation of findings and incorporation of wide ranging perspectives. The FGDs conducted for each target population of 5-6 persons. It was administered to groups within the resident areas of the children identified as commercial sex workers. Since a lot of information can be gleaned from community members on activities and issues that go around them. The FGD was structured as follows:

• 1 group of women 30+ • 1 group of men 30+ • 1 group of adolescent girls 15 -29years • 1 group of adolescent girls 15-17 years • 1 group of adolescent boys 15-17 years • 1 group of girl children 9-14 years

The FGDs was a significant source in provision and validation of data, and other sufficient information on factors that contribute to the phenomena including the venue and characteristics of CSEC.

2:2:3. Stratified Sampling A stratified sample frame of the schools was constructed from the school registers to get at least 10% of pupils of the 4 identified schools per site. The sampling framework for children in commercial sex was based on the identified locations of their residences and places of sex trade this was informed by the target slums, level of response by the community Key Informants and accessibility. Other categories were identified by teachers and the police, probation officers and the district labour officers who provided their locations and possible times of operations.



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2:2:4. Snowballing The respondents participating in the Key Informants interviews were selected using a snowball technique where certain people were identified by the community organizations, enumerators and research assistants. This informed both secondary and primary sources of data through in-depth interviews, observation guides, intergenerational dialogue as well as questionnaires administration. This assisted in identifying the nature, problem and subsequently the society’s view towards commercial sex in addition to the existing intervention mechanisms.

2:3.1 CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS ENCOUNTERED a) Approach In order to penetrate the community to collect the information the researchers approached the local Administration. This was vital as the administration was instrumental in giving information on what was going on in the area and the people involved. Being acknowledged by the administration also eased movement within the community and guaranteed security to an extent. b) Permission and Authorization From the schools, to get permission to interview the teachers/ counsellors or the relevant authorities on the subject, permission from the head teachers was sought. The researchers also approached CBOs which were organized groups within the community and very resourceful for the exercise as some members of these groups were directly affected since their children were involved in the practice. In Nairobi, the community policing office at Mukuru was quite instrumental in the identification of commercial sex workers in the area. A number of children and adult respondents were met during the survey. Most were cooperative but in some cases there were challenges.

This was particularly a challenge with the provincial administration and the government departments. Respondents from the ministry of education, for instance, demanded for authorization letters from the Ministry of Education. They even obstructed information from the researchers. The other challenge encountered in the formal sectors by the research assistants was to have to reschedule meetings, since most of the government offices either demanded waiting or postponing the interviews. This problem was mostly at schools and public administrative offices as official schedules and commitments compromised the survey arrangements and deferment to convenient times had to be done.

c) Suspicion Sections of the public treated the researchers with suspicion. Respondents from the community harboured a lot of suspicion for the researchers as they thought that the information sought would expose them to prosecution. The research assistants reported that during the survey it was a relatively difficult to get information from the commercial sex workers as compared to other sources.

The research assistants therefore obtained the information from the commercial sex workers by making enquiries from the respondent if any of the respondent’s friends was involved in commercial sex work. If the response was in the affirmative, the researcher sought to know if the ‘friend’ ever talked about the trade. The questionnaire was then filled based on what the ‘friend’ had discussed with the respondent.

d) Hostility



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Hostility was highlighted as a challenge during the survey in Nairobi. There was a case where a head teacher [DEB Muslim Primary School] threw a researcher out of the school. A police officer also did the same to a researcher. The research assistants reported instances of insecurity in the slum areas of Wetemere and Majengo. This was provoked by the presence of the users of illicit brews and drugs like bhang’ and called for the hiring of security guards to protect the researchers.

Suspicion was also expressed based on tainted past exercises, and discourtesy of other organizations. One case that came into focus was of an NGO that sought information about 1,500 girls who had dropped out of school. This organization is said to have vanished after benefiting alone from data obtained from the community and not even caring to share the findings with them. e) Payment for Information Sections of the community demanded payment in exchange for information. There was a case of a CBO in Nairobi that demanded FGD be held for a whole day so as to get 10 o’clock tea, lunch, refreshments and sitting allowance of 400 shillings each. In isolated cases in Eldoret, the researchers had to give incentives in the forms of soft drinks and tea to obtain information.

f) Illiteracy There were situations of extended and irrelevant talk by the respondents, indicating they did not understand the contents of the questionnaire and this led to time wastage during the data collection process. Other respondents requested to fill the questionnaire in the privacy of their homes then ended up not filling the forms or making N/A entries throughout the forms. There were also isolated cases of questionnaires not returned. In Nyeri the researcher had to interpret the questions for the respondents, thereafter filling in the questionnaire as they provided answers.

g) High Expectations Most of the CBO/Administrative offices and a number of respondents that cooperated with the researchers were enthusiastic and hoped to be acquainted with the findings of the survey as soon as the report is out. This may not be logistically realistic.

h) Logistics The researchers expressed concern over the amount of money allocated for movement as this could not effectively facilitate movement within the catchment areas.

I) Respondent Credibility Some respondents were not straight forward by lying about their ages and other factors then ended up contradicting themselves at later points of the interview. There was often contradicting information obtained from some schools. Statements given by the head teachers conflicted with those obtained from the teachers. This seemed suspicious and it was not easy to verify the truth under the circumstances. Sections of the community shied a way from the topic of discussion or gave incomplete responses and in the process made it difficult to obtain proper information. Some respondents also adapted the habit of heaping blame on other people’s children and giving information based on how they regarded them. At the household level, the interviews were frequently interrupted by the respondents having to attend to domestic chores and other businesses.

j) Weather In Nairobi, Eldoret and Nyeri, the paths to some of the respondents’ (household and children) residence especially those who resided within the slum areas, were muddy due to the wet season,



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making accessibility difficult.

k) Insecurity The researchers faced cases of insecurity and at some situations had to hire locals to guard them during the survey. In Obunga and Nyalenda in Kisumu, Wetemere in Nyeri and Kibera within Nairobi, they occasionally ended up in hostile people’s compounds where they found drunkards who threatened them. In Wetemere and Majengo, illicit drugs and brew was openly sold and the researchers had to encounter very hostile drunks.

l) Mistaken Identity In Eldoret the commercial sex workers met in the slums and the residents within the various estates mistook the researchers for clients. Some of the child commercial sex workers mistook the researchers for police officers and could not therefore open up. In Nairobi, the researchers were mistaken for government spies.



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CHAPTER THREE

3:0. LITERATURE REVIEW

3:1. Defining Worst forms of child labour The ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour (Convention 182 demands that children below 18 years should not work in certain areas e.g. in slavery like conditions or in prostitution. Such children ought to be withdrawn from such working situations and taken back to school if too young or assisted to develop their skills while being reintegrated back into their communities. The first World Congress on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children held in Stockholm, Sweden 1996 put the problem on the international political agenda under the declaration and Agenda for action. The congress defined the practice as “the commercial sexual exploitation of children is a fundamental violation of children’s rights. It comprises sexual abuse by the adult and remuneration in cash or kind to the child or a third person or persons. The child is treated as a sexual and commercial object. Therefore the commercial sexual exploitation of children constitutes a form of coercion and violence against children and it amounts to forced labour and temporary slavery” The International Initiative to End Child Labour a US-based, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate the worst forms of child labour in the U.S. and around the world, define the worst forms of child labour to include all forms of slavery, trafficking, prostitution, soldiering, illegal activities, and any other work that puts the child’s health, safety, or morals at risk.

3:2. Literature Review The International Labour Organization [ILO] has been working on initiatives aimed at addressing the plight of children in employment, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the practice all together. Several studies have been carried out by various researchers and organizations to inform the process of developing the project. Most of these works informs the project however gaps still exist that the results of this baseline survey shall comprehend. The literature reviewed below explains some of the studies done on children in commercial sex and provides conceptual insights on the causes, nature and extent of CSEC.

In Kenya, children make up 14,264,800 of the total population of 32,420,000 making 25% of children aged between 5-14 years working as child labourers. By the year 2010, it is estimated that 19,648,000 shall be economically active of which 1,572,000 are children aged between 10-14 years representing 34.9% of the population. According to research, Kenya is termed as a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labour and sexual exploitation. Children’s sexual exploitation exists in many forms especially child prostitution, incest, forced domestic servitude, street vending, agricultural labour, and sexual exploitation from the family, employers and the public. They are trafficked to Kenya’s coastal area, where they are sexually exploited in a nascent coastal sex tourism industry catering to foreigners. Cases have been observed in which children are loaned out to creditors to pay off family debt primarily in rural areas. Child prostitution has grown considerably due to economic contraction and the increase in the



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number of children orphaned because of the scourge of HIV/AIDS. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 30,000 girls under the age of 19 years were engaged in prostitution in the country. Moreover child prostitution is extensive in Nanyuki, a town that is home to a training base for foreign military forces. There are unconfirmed reports of women and children being enticed with drugs and alcohol to participate in pornographic and bestiality videos.

According to the child labour survey of 1989, majority of the working children (43.6%) were in the age cohort of 10-14years, and 30.1% in the age group of 15-17 years. A high number of working children (76.8%) had attained primary school education while a paltry 3.2% had attained secondary education and 12.7% had no formal schooling. 70% of working children were engaged in unpaid family work, 18.5% worked for pay while 1.6% was self employed. The results showed that agriculture and related occupations accounted for the highest incidences of working children.

A survey report release by UNICEF 2007 revealed that commercial sex tourism is not only growing rapidly on the Kenya coast but also gaining increasing acceptance as a valid means of earning an income. It is boosted by a flourishing tourism industry. Its results indicated Kenyan men 38%, Italians 18%, Germans 14% and Swiss 12% as the main clientele and offenders. Launching the report Kenya’s Vice President Moody Awori described the findings as a “shocking reality” and stated that the problem continues to grow to horrific magnitude. Out of all the girls interviewed by UNICEF, 76% felt that commercial sex was an acceptable way of making money; this is supported by findings from SOLWODI which intimate girls stating that since there are no jobs, they have no options but to obtain earnings from CSW. Other studies carried out on child prostitution in Kenya, by various organizations and individual researchers reveal a worsening trend of children being exploited sexually and subsequently an increase of children’s engagement in commercial sex. UNICEF and Kenya government carried out a joint study in Diani, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale coastal districts between October 2005 and March 2006, which survey reached 230 people mainly from the tourism industry including 84 children sex workers. The survey revealed that up to 15,000 girls in the four coastal towns were involved in casual sex for cash and about 30% of them were aged between 12-18years. Moreover a further 2,000 to 3,000 girls and boys were engaged in full time sex work in the coastal region. The study noted the worst offenders as Kenyan men who either pimp or are clients while the other clients were from Europe in particular Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Britain. The works done in 2002 by ANNPCAN and UNICEF of East Africa and Southern Africa office (UNICEF-ESARO) informed of the horrific sexual abuse that children in Kenya are exposed to at the mercy of parents, teachers, employers and sex trade customers. The report revealed that although commercial sexual exploitation of children cannot be easily quantified due to lack of adequate data and surveillance mechanisms in place, there is an overwhelming amount of anecdotal evidence that sexual exploitation of children is an extensive global problem. According to some surveys, a unique feature of children engaged in commercial sex work , is living communally in premises used for sexual purposes, while targeting clients’ from the nearby secluded lodges and boarding houses. Other UNICEF surveys carried out in Kenya in 2000 informed of the effects of HIV/AIDS pandemic on children in particular early marriage since the males are of the opinion that they are free from the virus. Poverty is another root cause of children’s engagement in CSW since they have to their supplement household income. From round table discussions in Africa’s AU meeting according to Mrs Nezha Chekrouni, Moroccan Minister in charge of the Advancement of Women, the Protection of the Family and Children and the Integration of Handicapped Persons, it



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identified the worst forms of child labour and defined the various dimensions of this problem. It emerged from their discussions that in some families, children worked to enable their parents break free from the spiral of poverty. She submits that although child labour serves to perpetuate poverty, it is a vicious circle which must be broken and the only way to do so is to eradicate the worst forms of child labour.

“The taboos have to be dispelled, particularly the sexual exploitation of children" Nezha Chekrouni; Morocco

The round table recommended formation of partnerships among MPs, governments, and non-governmental organizations at the national level, and international organizations to combat ills of WFCL. Furthermore it recommended the establishment of a legislative mechanism capable of defending and protecting children as well as monitoring and implementing legal measures. Lastly the round envisioned educational investments as preventive and remedial measures adequate for dealing with the full reality of the situation. Proposed education system is broad-based with a curriculum based on the rights of the child in order to secure the future of our countries, a future built on human potential capable of taking up the challenges at hand. And tomorrow's human potential is embodied in today's children. Young girls should also be given priority. According to the minister laws should me made to provide for more stringent measures in cases of child abuse. She called for reliable studies to be conducted to get a true picture of the reality of the situation in Africa. Similarly, the taboos attached to this issue have to be dispelled, particularly regarding the issue of sexual exploitation. Within the framework of the African-Arab Forum in Morocco last June. It proposed passing of laws and creation of awareness amongst all the social actors especially the parents, since social ills are not only closely linked to poverty, but poverty aspects are also economic and cultural. ANNPCAN studies of 1990-91 revealed that children work in different sectors, predominantly in agriculture and in the domestic sector. The findings showed that these children tend to come from certain communities, namely, Kiambu and Murang'a districts for agriculture and Siaya and South Nyanza (now divided into Homa Bay, Suba and Rachuonyo districts) in domestic service. From the findings, poverty and real problem of development were found to be behind child labour in those districts. That is the majority of the children who had dropped out of school at primary level was from underprivileged backgrounds and could not afford school fees, levies, books and uniforms. Their intervention sought to address the root causes of child labour problem in Kenya through a variety of methods resulting into new opportunities and entry points in addressing the problem and previously unseen challenges. In 1992, ANPPCAN together with the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development participated in ILO/IPEC programme. It formulated interventions into the child labour problem known as “Popular Participation towards Child Labour” through prevention and direct action efforts. The key objective was to reduce the number of children working in the WFCL by enhancing inter-sectoral linkages and school enrolment, decentralizing DCAC to DCLC and improving knowledge regarding child labour in education sector and the society through various strategies. These include training, facilitation, and community mobilization of local resources, stakeholder participation in meetings and IGAs for sustainability. It identified gaps in co-ordination and collaboration between different sectors and recommended inclusion of all stakeholders and ministries concerned with children in DCLC and the withdrawal of children working in the WFCL as a key strategy in combating child labour. It proposed provision of formal and informal education, vocational training of life skills as supportive mechanisms for removal of the children in addition to assistance for start ups of IGAs.



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ANNPCAN indicators of success in the course of implementation include DCLCs as emergent structures in fighting child labour. Through effective mobilization of resources, coordinating training of other stakeholders at the community level and monitoring of project activities. Level of awareness on child labour issues has gone up in the 4 districts. The child labour programme has also directly supported 2896 children at risk of dropping out of school and over 154 children have been removed from work for education and another 10 enrolled for vocational training. School performance in exams has improved greatly in the project schools leading to the improvement in enrolment, retention and completion rates due to concerted efforts by the community, the DCLCs and ANPPCAN. The programme has attracted continued support from partners mainly ILO/IPEC programme and the British government through the British Council. It is out of this support that the programme activities were able to be scaled-up from the initial four districts to the current nine districts. Key challenges include identification and participation of the appropriate actors, institutionalization of IGAs and the responsibility of School management committee as crucial in schools. The emergence of HIV/AIDS and its impact on orphans are reversing some of the gains since children are heading households and are under pressure from family responsibilities leading to their exploitation and engagement in WFCL. ANPPCAN way forward advocates for enhancement and strengthening of stakeholders forum for sharing of experience at policy and community levels. And also strengthening IGAs as alternative to WFCL Various legal frameworks have been proposed worldwide to safeguard children against abuse. In Kenya the enactment of Children’s Act was in 2002 to safeguard children against sexual and violent abuses. Despite the enactment child exploitation continues unabated. In legal terms the current activities undertaken in Kenya include harmonization of laws on children, operationalization of children’s Act and reviewing of labour laws in addition to the development of a national child labour policy as underway. In Senegal, national laws and labour codes are being harmonized with Convention No. 182 and internal legislation on sexual exploitation and violence towards minors is being reinforced. Tanzania is reviewing and updating labour legislation. Uganda is also reviewing and amending labour codes and laws to harmonize them with ILO Conventions Nos. 138 and 182. According to IIECL the educational policies of free compulsory education in many countries are having a positive impact on children entering school, but the challenge of keeping them there is dire. IIECL conducting baseline studies on needs and resource assessments of children in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Cote d’ vore, Liberia and Sierra Leone looking at the situation of children in worst forms of child labour and the conditions and quality of schooling in target communities. The results indicated high percentages of children economically active at a very young age; these children are engaged in performing work in the unconditional worst forms of child labour and in hazardous activities for very long hours and under dangerous conditions. According to Mrs Beth Mugo, member of parliament in Kenya and the President of the IPU Committee on parliamentary, juridical and human rights, parliamentarians have to play critical roles since they have the capacity to influence policies of their governments by committing substantial public funds through votes in the national budget. To quote her: "It is essential to promote transition of working children from work to school" .It emerged from IPU meeting that the social scenario promotes retrogressive cultural practices as key promoters of pre-determined discriminative gender roles. According to Mugo this should be outlawed and the society educated to discard it through public awareness campaigns. In addition to complementary policies and strategies to promote transition of working children from work to school are needed.



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In 2003 December COVAW reviewed reported cases of child abuse at the Nairobi Children’s Home and Kabete Approved School. Most of the cases involved child neglect, child labour, assault by employers and physical and sexual abuse by parents. 72.8% of the reported cases involved child assault and abuse. In the same year children Legal Action Network CLAN reported 69 cases of sexual assault out of these 5 cases involved boys. CLAN further informed that children sex exploitation in Kenya is common due to incest and domestic violence. From the literature review and researches done by both international and local organizations what emerges from these studies is that poverty, HIV/Aids, under development and unemployment and break down of traditional morals are some of the root cause of CSEC. These studies proposed various recommendations and activities that can curb these ills. But due to lack of harmonization of these intervention strategies and financial and human resources, a lot still needs to be done. It is hoped that the study shall provide conceptual insights and research gaps that still need to be done to curb CSEC.



CHAPTER FOUR

BASELINE SURVEY RESULTS AND FINDINGS

4:1. BASELINE SURVEY FINDINGS The table below explains the various views in several categories of the respondents according to their opinion on root cause of CSEC. Their socio-economic background, their nature and characteristics, level of exploitation including the challenges and recommendations. The section also provides from the survey findings a summary of the reasons why these children engage in commercial sex work. Table 1: 1. Summary of Baseline survey findings

Respondent view on specific Issues

Children in commercial Sex

Children School Drop Out

Parents and Household

Teachers Government Employers Community Based Organizations

Root Causes of engagement in commercial sex

Poverty Unemployment Family responsibility Economic gains Peer influence Death of parents

Source of income Family needs and support Good clothes Easy money Poverty Child Headed House holds Bed ridden parents who need support

Searching for husbands peer influence, lack of moral guidance, poverty Night club & funeral dances Selling alcohol and getting seduced Source of income for orphans Bring food home and clothes

Poverty peer influence, Domestic conflicts/ separation and broken homes Neglected orphans & child headed households Encouraged to bring money food by parents poor upbringing unemployment Adventure and economic gain Expulsion from house by parents

Poverty Unemployment Sexually Abused by employers Sexually Abuse by drunkard relative/fathers Disco& funeral dances Peer influence Child headed household and family responsibilities Lack of money

Low pay Sexual Abuse by fellow patrons Poverty Seduction by clients drug abuse and alcoholism

Poverty Peer influence Lack of Money adventure for economical gains Good clothes Alternative source of income Due to parents’ death Child headed house hold responsibilities. Bedridden parents looking for money to support them medically & food Father drunkard and abusive Broken families and domestic conflicts/



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separation. lacks direction & Don’t care attitude of parents Initiated and encouraged by mother – negligence

Socio-Economic Background

Poverty stricken and deprived neighbourhoods in the slum Child labour

Broken families, death of parents Poor Family responsibilities

Low income Unemployment Informal settlement as residential Degenerated Environment

Broken families Child headed households Abusive relatives Low income Unemployment Informal settlement as residence Derelict parental responsibilities Degenerated Environment Loss of value in families

underprivileged livelihood peer influence from a degenerated neighbourhood child headed house-hold and family responsibilities Sexually abused by drunkard relatives and fathers

Low income Deprived & degenerated neighbourhoods as residence. Family responsibility poverty

Poverty Death of parents & Bedridden parents looking for money to support them medically & food Father drunkard and abusive Broken families & domestic violence Broken down family institutions & values

Nature and Characteristics of Children in commercial Sex

Age 14 to 18 yrs Primary school drop outs Most come from single parent families or live with relatives. Double life street girl during the day and CSW at night

Ages between 14 and 16 mostly class 8 dropouts/ single parent families and relatives/ poor families in small scale business

Children going out late, coming home drunk and late and not performing well in school or dropping out.

Students aloof/ others more vibrant/ delinquent and badly behaved/ disrespectful and rude

Dressing skimpy, overdone makeup, hang out in certain places, mostly female

Abusive language, violent tempers, enticing character

Orphaned children, mostly suffered rejection, sexually exploited children, abused children

Forms of Exploitation

Abusive clients Drug trafficking Violence Harassment assault Over working & tiredness stigma

Family demands & responsibilities Abusive clients Drug trafficking Violence Harassment assault Over working &

Family demands & responsibilities. Parental demands and cost sharing at home. Selling alcohol and drugs.

Child labour and domestic work Child headed households, Absenteeism from school Fishing/harvesting

Unwanted pregnancies abortions and death, used as spies for potential robbers, Agents for home feuds

Low pay delayed salaries Lured into drugs long hours Poor-conditions of work Despicable

Due to parents’ death the Children headed house hold. Neglected and abused Responsibilities for bedridden parents looking for money to



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Low payment non payment Parental demands Going without food Long and cold nights

tiredness stigma Low payment non payment Parental demands

Viewed as income generators.

during school days to supplement in-additional to commercial sex trade

drug trafficking poor pay, rape and trauma, Drop out of school, child labour, tainted and stigmatized.

language from employers Sexual harassment Child labour Temperament of clients (psychological trauma)

support them medically & food. Father drunkard and sexually & abusive Encouraged by mother/guardians into prostitution

Profile and Identification

Language Times and place of operation Seductive language Dark allies Drugs and alcoholism

Language Dressing mode Behaviour Friends Frequented locality

Clothes Mode of dressing more money Late nights Rude to parents/guardian Parties and discos Hangs out at trading centre

Opening up during counselling Vibrant and Conspicuous During discussions shared experiences Reported by Colleagues, parents/guardians Seen at Night clubs Have money and seductive language Indiscipline, Delinquent Truancy, seducing teachers, Withdrawn, isolated Disrespectful, misbehaves and withdrawn

Stipulation on the Charge Sheet, Occupation & Self-Disclosure Age Group determination (ID) Interrogation after police Swoops admission of intentions Dress mode & Approach Police Patrols in a Specific Area Open up during Interviews with Police Assess through Social Inquiry Overdone Faces, tirades & Visage, Unabashed Gazes &Vile language Behaviour Patterns/ more timid Places they hang out & Mode of Lifestyle Physique Interviews & Court Referrals

Seductive language Mode of dressing Behaviour Towards customers Drinking & Smoking habits Vile tempers

Clothes Mode of dressing more money Late nights Rude to parents/guardian Parties and discos Hangs out at trading centre



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Problems and Challenges

Lack of proper payment Lack of proper clothing Lack of food Job is tiring Multiple partners Genital disease Irregular Income Violence from client’s girlfriends and spouses Rape and violence Sex without condoms Insecurity Lack of safety from gangsters Stigma/discrimination from society Get Beaten or harassed by police

Fear of not getting married no future Already involved with drugs Probably at risk of getting HIV, STI Fear of Pregnancy and abortion No room for career improvement. Stigmatized and embarrassed envy my colleagues Society does not care about us Overcoming family responsibilities

Police harassment Danger HIV / Aids & STI Need Help It's the only style of better living Lack of immoral guidance Lack of respect to parents/ community Poverty Rude and temperament Bad language Immoral and dangerous

Drug abuse/ alcoholism Peer pressure, Uncooperative parents Overly self-conscious Catching STD's, Rape Cases School drop out Pregnancies and Deviancy Easily lure others from money they have Child Labour Disband Operation groups Rude and in disciplined Absenteeism, Withdrawn and disrespectful Care free attitude and delinquency Vulnerability to STIs and HIV/AIDS Mischief and Misdemeanour Sleeping in class, Isolation and tired

Unwillingness to cooperate by victims Poor Social Network Insincerity on the Victims Part Denial, Stigma in Counselling Poor Education Lack of Parental Co-operation Difficult to Change teenagers Are Violent & Abusive, See others as Obstacles

Going wild after drinking Sexual harassment from clients Police arrests Carelessness and irresponsibility Rape Murder Attacks by robbers and clients

Parental irresponsibility Mothers influence Control of child labour Parents expelling children from home Uncooperative parents Strategic linkage with the stakeholders No holistic approach in place to curb the problem. Commercial sex on the rise

Recommendations

Needs capital for business Government to provide employment Going back to school Running international Brothels Becoming professional i.e. lawyer/ Nutritionist, designer.

Give equal opportunities to boys and girls Provide sources of Income to earn living Build village polytechnics to educate the youth Guidance counselling and awareness campaigns Give opportunities

Enact strict laws against prostitution Initiate income generating activities as alternative income.

Guidance and counselling, education and awareness/ school fees and levees waivers for poor students/ listening and being on the look out for signs.

Increase rehabilitation centres/ enforce law on child offenders/upgrade slums/awareness and change of values.

Awareness on child abuse and HIV/AIDS, listening to problems of children Guidance and counselling.

Increase income generating opportunities, provision of land to the landless/ enacts strict child abuse laws/people should be sensitized on child labour.



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to return to school Parents should love their children.



4:2. Root Cause of Children’s Engagement in Commercial Sex There are increasing numbers of children engaging in commercial sex as a means of survival making many of the children be exposed to sex from an early age. From the survey the root cause of children engagement in sex trade are linked to several factors as cited here below:

1. Poverty: the respondents surveyed were from underprivileged backgrounds and could hardly make ends meet.

2. Peer influence: the respondents informed the survey that they were lured by friends while some wanted to be like them.

3. There are children expelled from home by parents as result of pregnancy hence they resort to commercial sex as an alternative to support their children

4. There is the need for quick money and adventure for economic gains and alternative source of income

5. The increasing demand for good clothes and better life 6. Due to HIV/AIDS prevalence, children are orphaned and left at the mercy of relatives

making life after parents’ death hard and these children resort to commercial sex trade to sustain their livelihoods, Child headed household – responsibilities and bedridden parents whose children have to provide for food and medicines

7. Some of their fathers’ are drunkards and irresponsible. Parental negligence is very high leading children into commercial sex to earn an income to sustain their livelihoods

8. Many of the children are sexually abused by relatives. They end up on the streets as destitute children. Some run away from home due to family conflicts, broken families, separation of parents; and domestic violence. Cases have been reported where orphaned and destitute children are taken from home by relatives and then hired out for prostitution.

9. Lack of moral guidance making children to lack direction and parents develop an “I don’t care attitude” in relating with their children.

10. Initiated and encouraged by mother/elder sister/auntie as a source of income while parents also acknowledge the proceeds and food from CSEC

4:3. BREAK DOWN OF TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS OF THE FAMIL Y. The survey revealed a breakdown of traditional moral systems and family institution. This has a direct bearing on the involvement of children in commercial sex. Examples of waning moral values are listed here below:

1. Parents are initiating children into commercial sex 2. Sexual abuse by drunken fathers and other male relatives 3. Children being forced to provide for themselves through prostitution 4. Loss of parental responsibility 5. Societies tolerance of children in commercial sex work 6. Parents expelling children from home due to unwanted pregnancies

An extract from Nyeri where a child told a man “mummy hana mteja saa hizii, nipatie pesa nikanunue unga halafu wewe uende kwa nyumba mkafanye manyonyo na mummy”

Translated this reads: “…mummy has nobody at the moment, give me money to buy maize flour



21

then you can go to the house to have sex with mummy”. An 11year old girl from Wetemere Slums in Nyeri.

This explains the degeneration of the societal morals and responsibility, a unique characteristic is their communal living and sharing from clothes to men: “When one gets her monthly periods then her friend services her clients until her periods are over”

A respondent from Obunga Slums in Kisumu.

4:4 FORMS OF CHILD LABOUR ACTIVITIES IDENTIFIED FRO M THE

SURVEY Observations during primary data collection of the survey revealed other variants of child labour Table 2: Forms of child labour identified from the selected study towns Activity Nairobi Kisumu Eldoret Nyeri House-helps (Ayah)

Over 15years 11 years 13years 12years

Coffee plucking - - - Children aged 10years and above September to November, paid 40/= per debe

Tea picking - - - 10years and above all the year round

Agricultural Harvesting

- - June to august Maize/ wheat

Quarries and Sand banks

- Sand collection @ Usoma @ 10/= per wheel barrow

Quarries/Stones Quarries /Sand and Stones @ 50cts per wheel barrow

Fishing - Dunga & Usoma Beach

- -

House helps 15years and above 11 years above 13 years and above 12 years and above Collecting plastics Both boys and

girls 10years and above

Both boys and girls 10years and above



Carrying luggage Mostly boys 12 years and above

Mostly boys 12 years and above



Collecting scrap metal





Cleaning salons 70% girls and 30% boys

90% girls and 10% boys

80% girls and 20% boys


Collecting bottles tops





Peeling potatoes Both boys and girls 10years and above




Cleaning hotels. Bars/ toilets

50% of both genders aged 15 years and above

Both genders of the children age 12 years and above

Both boys and girls 13 years and above


Fetching water Both genders of the children age 12 years and above




Washing clothes Both genders of Both genders of Both genders of Both genders of the



22

the children age 12 years and above



children age 12 years and above

Truck drivers come to buy commodities from children

Children aged 15 years and above at highway transit points




4:5. Worst forms of Child Labour Emerging trends in the worst forms of child labour embrace the following:

1. Parents engage their Children as sex providers to provide for household income 2. Parental exploitation when they give children monetary targets to bring home 3. Old women from Nyeri / Eldoret /Nairobi targeting young boys aged 16-20yrs with

expensive gifts and clothes for sex. 4. Sexual exploitation where relatives bring men for their daughters and enjoy the proceeds 5. Arrests of parents who are CSWs. When taken to police cells, their children are forced to

engage in sex with the police or other people to raise money for the release of their parents

6. The children in commercial sex are used to sell and traffic Drugs/bhang, Alcohol 7. Others have died due to crude abortion for the children aged 14-17years. 8. Short term Sex known as lunch hour Service practiced at lunch time for Ksh.20 /= to

50/= by school going children who use the money to buy food. This is done in toilets for Kshs. 20 -50/= due to lack of money to hire rooms.

9. Some clients use both the front and rear entry but still pay only for a single service at Ksh.50/=.

10. Children whose parents are HIV positive and bedridden have to work to earn a living and to provide food and medicines.

11. There are boys who engage the tourists and old men as homosexuals in Nyeri and Nairobi 12. Homosexual sex tourism for the boy child in Nyeri and Nairobi 13. Children are sexually abused by relatives who swear them to silence making them to live

in great fear



23

CHAPTER FIVE

PROFILES OF CHILDREN IN COMMERCIAL SEX, LANGUAGE, CLIENTELE, STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES IN THE FOUR ST UDY TOWNS

The study constructed distinct profiles of children in fulltime commercial sex and the characteristics of the study towns’ socio-economic activities that encourage the practice. The language and the strategies utilized in the sex trade is the same in almost all the study towns, this similarity portrays commercial sex work as a nationwide activity.

5:1. PROFILES OF CHILDREN ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL SEX a) Age: most of the children engaged in commercial sex are aged between 14 to 18 years and mainly girls in the four towns; the boys are aged 15 to 18 years and found mainly in Nyeri because of tourists and Nairobi because of its cosmopolitan characteristics.

b) Background: Majority of them come from underprivileged backgrounds with either no parent, single parents or live with relatives and guardians. They reside in very deplorable conditions in slums and shanties.

c) Physical Outlook: the survey findings revealed that most of the children engaged in commercial sex are identified through their physique, over done make-up of their face, dress code is skimpy micro mini skirts, tight jeans, spaghetti tops and bare backs and tumbo (Stomach) cut, language used and demeanour.

d) Double life Style: 40% of those interviewed have double lives where they are in school at daytime and practice commercial sex in the night. Others are street children during the day while at night they dress smartly to hook clients for their commercial sex trade. Others work in hair saloons at daytime and commercial sex worker by night.

e) Education level: Majority are school drop outs at lower primary and after class eight very few dropped out of form two in secondary school.

f) Type of Friends: Most of the friends they hang out with are engaged in the same activity and majority of their parents are not aware but suspect them.

g) Time of operation: Most of them according to the findings operate from evening around eight o’clock up to 6 .30 in the morning. The findings also revealed that there are those engaged in short term sex (Quick Service ATM or Lunch hour Service) from 12 noon to 2.30 pm especially in Kiawara Slums Nyeri and Manyatta in Kisumu. Other working professionals engaged in commercial sex usually practice it at the local lodges in the afternoons. h) Season of activities: The seasons of operations vary according to the date of the month and day of the week. When it is the first weekend of the month they get more clients and charge higher monies. Other seasons are during festivities in towns the findings revealed that the commercial sex workers are in business when live bands play in town. i) Location of operation: Their operation bases are in the up market residential places, within the neighbourhoods, the trading centres, night spots and discos and around the local pubs and



24

restaurants. Others are call girls with regular clients who have established a rapport meet them in their houses or in specific designated places such as clubs and even in the car parks. j) Parents Occupation: the occupation of most parents of those engaged in commercial sex is either casual workers, unemployed, retired, petty traders and hawkers while others are employed in lower scale jobs.

k) Drug Abuse: Most of them take drugs (Bhang, Valium and Crack) others smoke while others take alcohol and other hard stuff before having sex with their clients.

5:2. COMERCIAL SEX LANGUAGES Children in commercial sex work use expressions and semantics that ordinary people may not relate with. The following was gleaned from the in-depth interviews and observation from activities of those engaged in sex trade:

1. Ripe tomato: a youthful lady with heavy behinds and light skinned 2. Lunch hour service: short term sex during lunch break 3. After 4:30: Sex in offices in the evenings after work 4. Front & rear: sex through the vagina and the anal opening 5. Nyonyo (Asian fingering and suckling the breast) 6. Quick serve: Sex at the back seat of a car, in parks, dark alleys in the toilets 7. Msitu (Pubic Bush) 8. Kukamua (to milk the body) 9. Garissa (shaved pubic areas) 10. Kisumu (huge physique) 11. Kach (Oversize penis) 12. Anjii: (Cushitic looks)

5:3. CONDOMS The survey revealed how commercial sex workers refer to condoms in various forms and names as described below:

1. Bamboocha: flavoured condom 2. Vanilla: foreplay Suckling 3. Seri kali: free government distributed condoms 4. Peremende: Packaging of the condoms is similar to sweets

5:4. CLIENTS WHO SEEK SERVICES OF COMMERCIAL SEX WO RKERS 1. Drug dealers 2. Rich grown up men 3. Matatu drivers 4. Touts/manambas 5. Tourists 6. Tour guide 7. Pimps 8. Hotel staff and proprietors 9. Member of upper class 10. Curio dealers



25

11. Asians – boys 12. Matatu owners 13. Trailer drivers

5:5. PROSTITUTION STRATEGIES The survey findings exposed the strategies that most commercial sex workers utilize in approaching clients, they have several approaches such as direct, through pimps, introduced by relatives and other mature commercial sex workers and indirect approach especially those with double lives. Below are the strategies identified from the survey:

1. Putting on school uniforms to get young men as customers especially during opening days.

2. Direct approach to most clients through seductive language (Zip is open) 3. Mode of dressing that exposes the female anatomy 4. Hiking lifts at specific locations 5. Posing in offices by selling clothes 6. Saloon girls who double as Commercial sex workers identify clients who bring

their children and wives to the saloon and boutiques and trace them after wards as clients

7. Improvising condoms by using of brown plastic bags : Kama ya kupima sukari / chips due to lack of money to buy condoms

8. Some of the school girls put on long rain coats/ jackets to cover themselves as they get into lodges



5:6. CHARACTERISTICS AND APPROXIMATED POPULATION OF OMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS IN THE FOUR TOWNS Table 3: characteristics and approximated population of commercial sex workers in the four towns Factors Nairobi Kisumu Eldoret Nyeri Profile of commercial sex workers

Professional working women, college and university students in the up market while the low class in the slums

Aged 13 and above, widows, rural urban migrants, university and college graduates in the up market

Aged 14 to 50, university and college girls in the up market while

15 to 45 years, college girls, and those with minimal education background, working professionals

Approximate Population CSWs

3500 2000 1800 1500

Town characteristics Cosmopolitan, multi-racial, commercial

Cosmopolitan, Asians and Europeans, commercial activities, fishing and sugar cane highway transit point.

Cosmopolitan, commercial, agribusiness

Cosmopolitan, commercial, agribusiness, tourism activities

Location of activities Koinange, chiromo lane, Adams Arcade, Hurlingham for up market; Majengo, Kibera, Korogocho, Mathare

Kondele, Manyatta, Nyamasaria, Accra street, Oginga Odinga, Obunga the shopping malls. Location varies according to education level & social status

Langas, Oloo street, Maile Nne, Roadblock, Kamkunji, Oginga Odinga Road and Kimumu

Kanisa street, Kiawara, Wetemere, around central hotel.

Time of operations 10:00pm to 6.00 am weekdays, weekends from 8pm

7pm to 6:00am and services on specific days weekend & end month starts early 4pm

8pm to 6am seasons from June to August is harvest time

7:pm evening to 6:00am morning, seasons vary when tea bonus or coffee bonus, tourists in the later part of the year going to Mt Kenya

Payment patterns Vary according to the locality, slums 20/=100/= while the up-market 500/= and above

Services offered on credit for regular customers who pay at the end of the month, orgy 3 for joint clients paid 1000/= split for 3, negotiated and paid 50% upfront

Before sex, it ranges from 50/= in the slums to over 500/= in up-market. Payment done inform of gifts

Price for Mjohnie (White Soldier) ranges from 5,000/= and above African Soldiers from 1500/= and above. In the town 200/= and above while in the slums



27

Kiawara & Wetemere ranges from 20/= to 200/=

Clients preferences Slim and slender for Europeans professional, working women & college graduates for executive managers and upper class; age preference is 15 to 40years.

Women with heavy behinds, younger girls for older men, older women for younger men and 3 women for orgy.

Older clients prefer older women than the new entrees, college and university students and graduates getting a bigger share of clients in up-market.

Both employed white collar jobs and unemployed. Older women are retiring but they initiate the younger ones.

Characteristics of CSW Behavioural patterns: seductive language, body movements gyrations as they walk, smoking and overdone make-up

Old professional women buy alcohol to the young men for sex, direct approach, seductive language

Behavioural patterns, seductive language, mode of dressing, direct approach, and use of agents/pimps for commission.

Direct approach, pimps, commission to car washers and hotel bouncers and waiters, taxi drivers.

CSW Tactics Direct approach, Drugging clients, robbing and orgies.

Direct approach, traditional herbs, drugging and posing as school girls in uniform.

Drugging clients to rob, direct approach by exposing anatomy, lacing drinks, harassing waiters and timing farmers during harvests.

Drugging and lacing drinks to rob clients, working girls hook and buy alcohol before you realize, you are hooked.

Trends Zoning of operation location, increasing numbers, changing tactics and sex in office after working hours.

Cut-throat competition, oversupply of commercial sex workers, use traditional herbs and hotels over booked at weekends.

Harvest season attracting CSWs countrywide, booking hotels, rests at daytime and looks for clients at night, visits specific clubs and guest houses to get certain category of clients.

Tourist and bonus season, frequent bars and entertainment joints, double life style at office during daytime and a commercial sex worker at night.

Challenges Body size, insecurity, irregular income, city council swoops, competition from younger entrees, robbed and raped at night, diseases.

Being paid fake money (Wash Wash), competition from younger and youthful CSWs, irregular income, diseases, and pregnancy.

Competition, strictness by hotel proprietors and infighting amongst the CSW.

Stiff competition between the young and older generation, arrests and harassment from authorities and reduced income.



CHAPTER SIX

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS OF SURVEY FINDINGS

6:0. CHILDREN IN COMMERCIAL SEX

6.1 Background and characteristics of the study The International Labour Organization [ILO] has been working on initiatives aimed at addressing the plight of children in employment, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the practice all together. The International Programme on Elimination of Child Labour [IPEC] has designed and is implementing a project supporting the Government’s National Plan of Action on the Elimination of Worst forms of Child Labour.

6:1:1 Children Engagement in Commercial Sex Work The baseline survey on children involvement in commercial sex reached 67 children aged between, 10-18years, although some of the respondents lied about their ages in order to look mature. Majority of the children came from underprivileged backgrounds and resided within the slums where they practiced their sex trade. Their level of education ranged from no schooling to secondary form one. A significant number of them were unaware of their health status, and due to fear and ignorance, failed to be tested to know their HIV status. They lived from hand to mouth on the proceeds of their trade, with without considering the health hazards. The health hazards that faced them include STDs and STIs and complications arising from unsafe abortions. Most of them preferred private clinics for treatments. This is due to stigmatization, discrimination from the society and fears of exposure in public hospitals.

The major outcome of the survey revealed parental consent, consciousness and knowledge of the children involvement in commercial sex trade as a source of income to the family. Some of these children brought money home and even bought other basic needs for the family and very few parents queried the source of finance. It also emerged that friends, relatives and some parents were the main initiators of the children in commercial sex trade.

“…… my daughter is beautiful and she is my source of income I cannot allow her to get married since I will not be able to buy food without her…….”

Parent, Majengo slums, Nairobi Majority of the respondents deemed poverty to be the root cause of their engagement in commercial sex due to low parental income, parental death/sickness, increasing burden of responsibilities on the children and no formal education. Other respondents were orphaned and were looking for husbands to help them take care of their family responsibilities. These children contributed towards their house hold expenditure by bringing food and money home to sustain their livelihoods and also take care of sick parents. The survey revealed that the favourite spot of getting clients’ for the children in commercial sex work, was the night spots, the estates and they prefer having sex in the lodgings, parks and clients’ houses. These children approach the clients directly or through the local pimps.

The estimated number of customers ranged between 3-4 per day with at times over 6 clients depending on the time of the day, night and date of the week or the seasonality. The major hazards and challenges faced by the children include competition leading to irregular income,



29

Respondents Age Grouping

3.0

12.1

40.9 40.9

3.0

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

35.0

40.0

45.0

10 - 12 13 - 14 15 - 16 17 - 18 19 - 20

Age Group (Yrs)

Perce

nt R

espo

nden

ts

whilst others are still amateurs and not exposed to the game. They cited harassment by the police during swoops and violence from client’s spouses and girl friends. Other challenges include stigma, discrimination from the community and insecurity from robbers who attack and even rape them; and steal all their proceeds from the night. The respondents reported tiredness due to lack of sleep and working late; and showed concern over venereal diseases, HIV/Aids and unwanted pregnancies.

Majority of the respondent’s surveyed reported that they would like to quit the practice and go back to school or have an alternative source of income and be respected as decent Kenyans. During the survey, the researchers sought to seek the root causes of children engagement in commercial sex work; this includes the nature and characteristics. A total of 66 respondents were interviewed during the survey.

6:1:2. Age, level of Education and Schools attended by the respondents Age of Respondent Most of the respondents interviewed were aged between 16[15] and 17[15] years. Each of

these categories formed 22.4 per cent of the total respondent percentage. 18 year olds [12] made up 18.2 percent of the respondents. Note that there was the presence of a commercial sex worker aged 10 years old.

On the gender of the commercial sex workers, female respondents formed the majority [61] of the commercial sex workers at 92% percent while male respondents [5] formed 7.5 percent of the total percentage. Highest level of Education The highest level of education for the respondents was high school while majority (15.2%) had education up to class 8. Others had gone up to lower primary. It is worth mentioning that children without parents had education up to lower primary and this impacts on their contractual negotiations and even awareness of HIV/Aids. They are also the most vulnerable and most exploited. School attended The findings revealed that the commercial sex workers attended different schools at the time of the survey. Most are public schools within the study sites. Others are located within the informal settlements in underprivileged neighbourhoods. Majority of the respondents (49) are still in both formal and informal schools. From observations and discussions with the community, some of the children were out of school for some time due to lack of school fees/levies including other basic needs. Since the introduction of free primary education, they have returned back to school although they had started practicing the sex trade; they use the schools as cover-up to hide. According to some teachers: “……these older girls lure other young girls with money and buy them refreshments at break-time…….” resulting in an increase of new recruits. While 12 of the respondents were not in any school, 6 respondents



30

Are Parents Alive?

Yes, 61.2

Yes, 43.3No, 37.3

No, 55.2

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Mother Father

Parent

Perce

nt Responde

nts

Yes No

did not disclose their schools at all. (See appendix for list of schools attended)

6:1:3. Respondents in school, daily attendance and if parents are alive When the children were asked whether they still attend school, 20 children i.e. 30.3% said that they still attended school while 47 of them i.e. 69.7% reported that they had dropped out of school. The reasons given by the respondents for dropping out of school was tiredness and lack of concentration including harshness of teachers.

Percent Respondents

Question Yes No Not Applicable Missing

Child still in School 30.3 69.7

Child Attends School daily 6 43.3 49.3 1.5

Mother 61.2 37.3 Child Parents alive

Father 43.3 55.2

Those who go to school daily lead a double life: a school girl during the day and a commercial sex worker at night; and this is evidenced in Kisumu and Nyeri respectively. According to a Nyeri watchman: “Some of the girls put on long Kabuti (coats) to hide their uniforms when they enter hotels and change as soon as they get inside” Other children are street girls during day time and commercial sex workers at night in Nyeri, Eldoret and Nairobi. Most teachers revealed these girls are always tired, sleepy and isolated or withdrawn in class and hardly perform well. Are your parents alive? When asked whether their parents were alive, the respondents gave the following responses in reference to their fathers and mothers.

The mothers of 61.2% respondents were alive and only 37.3% had lost their mothers. 55.2% i.e. 37 respondents had lost their fathers while the fathers of 29 child commercial sex workers i.e. 43.3% were alive. The linkage between children whose parents are alive and those without parents

indicate that the orphans are more vulnerable to commercial sex work than children with one or both parents.

6:1:4. Length of time and initiation into commercial sex work Length of Time in Commercial Sex Work



31

Respondents Duration in Service

0

10

20

30

40

1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8

Duration in Years

Per

cent R

espo

ndents

The longest serving commercial sex worker had been in the field for 8 years making 3.0% of the respondents while majority 26.9% had only been in the sex trade for less than 2 years. A

total of 7 respondents 10.4% had also been in the trade for 4 years. The first group of respondents can still be rehabilitated since they have hardly completed two years in the trade.

Who Initiated Child into Prostitution

0 5 10 15 20

25 30

35 40

45

No Respondents

Friend

Older Commercial Sex Worker

Pimp

Relat ive (sister)

Relative(Cousin)

Relat ive (aunt ie)

Initi

ator

Who initiated Child into Prostitution

The table above shows the respondents’ answers, when asked who had initiated them into the practice. 45 children i.e. 67.2 percent said that it was their friends. Relatives i.e. aunties, uncles and cousins were also identified as initiators. Older commercial sex workers and pimps were further mentioned as culprits.

6:1:5. Child residence/Guardianship/ Occupation of parents Children’s Area of Residence Majority of these children reside in the major slums in the four selected study towns which characteristically are underprivileged and experience a lot of gangsterisms, drug related problems, alcoholism, and child headed households. (See appendix for list of residential areas) Who do you reside with? The findings revealed that the majority of the children involved in commercial sex work did not live with their parents. 22 of them i.e. 32.8% were found to be residing with friends while 14 i.e. 20.9% were living with relatives. It is worth noting that17of the respondents, i.e. 25.4% stayed with their mothers while only 2 [3.0%] lived with their fathers. 2 respondents live alone while 1 was married and living with the husband. It appears that male headed households have fewer children exposed to commercial sex work. What work do your parents do? Parents/Guardian's Occupation



32

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0

Parent Occupation

Employed

Farming

Business

Unemployed

Casual work

retired

Farming and business

Not Applicable

Perce

nt R

espo

nden

ts

Respondents Parents Occupation

The table above shows that majority of parents of these children engage in small businesses (41.8%). Others are employed (11.9%); unemployed (11. 9%); some practice farming while the rest are casual workers or retired from service.

6:1:6. Source of clients, Age and Race preference, Condom use and influence of alcohol in sex trade Where Children CSWs get their clients The findings reveal that nightspots were a favourite pick up points for the CSWs since 16 of the respondents i.e. 23.3% indicated that they get their clients from them. Trading centres [16.4%], hotels [14.9%] and work places [14.9%]. Highway transit points served as pick up points for 9% [6] of the respondents. Other places were the estates [3%], others store the contacts of clients as enumerated by an elderly man in Eldoret:

“….these children nowadays just call men and tell them where to meet her, the society is dead”

Some of the children are kept in brothels alongside adult prostitutes especially in Nairobi with concealed identities in up-market residential areas, where they are picked up to an undisclosed place for sex (1.5%)

Testimony of a truck driver on Eldoret Uganda Road “I have noticed children in the langas transit point who are about 14-16yrs. Some children especially the boys wash the vehicles while the girls work as maids in the estates, hawkers and as commercial sex workers and all this is to earn money. Most of the children do not go to school while others are students whose performance is poor according to the way they communicate in English and even in Kiswahili, most of them drop out of school early .

The boys earn between 500-800, to wash one lorry. For the girls their earnings depend on the client, they practice it on the lorries or on rentals or even lodgings, they hawk snacks like peanuts in the process allowing their customers to initiate talks e.g. a girl who sells peanut will say that she sells peanuts as aphrodisiacs and thereby looking for a chance to avail herself for approach. Some



33

Race Preference of Respondents

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Don't Know None Africans Africans andWhites

Asians

No. Respondents

Prefered Rac

e

ask for lift under the guise of visiting relatives only to later allow the drivers to take them wherever they want while. Some of these children are orphaned and some come from poor backgrounds. Some have relatives, others parents/guardians but have run away from their homes. Some parents are aware of what is happening and give support to them to continue, because they use the proceeds to keep their families or to keep themselves in their rented houses. There are those who use the money to live in the expensive houses/rooms they rent. The number of those involved is hard to determine as it rises every time. Others get pregnant and retreat to the slums as house helps.”

This testimony is a clear indication that children are engaged in commercial sex and other forms of child labour especially washing a big lorry by young boys, according to the truck driver these children have very minimal education. Some parents encourage and appreciate the proceeds from sex trade. Pregnancy is common as they retreat to give birth or procure back street abortions. Age preference, condom use and influence of alcohol

Percent Respondents

Question Yes No Don’t Know

Missing

Preferred Age Group 30-40 Yrs 22 76 2

Drinks or Take Drugs before Sex 73 27

Use Condom during Sex 76.1 16.4

Age is not a significant variable since 76.1% [51] of the respondents indicated that they did not mind the client’s age. 22.4%. [15] of the respondents however indicated preference for clients within the 30-40 years age bracket. On the use of substances like drugs and alcohol, the survey revealed that 71.6% [48] of the respondents used drugs/alcohol before engaging in sex. Only 26.9% [18] did not use any substances. On the use of condoms, 76.1% [51] revealed that they used condoms with their clients. 16.4% of the respondents however do not use condoms and a further 4% only use condoms occasionally. “I use small polythene bags (Kama yakupima Sukari) as improvised condoms due to lack of money….”

Child in fulltime commercial sex in Nyeri

Race Preference

83.6% of the respondents said that they did not mind the client’s race. It emerged from the findings and during focused group discussion that since most of the children are still amateurs in the



34

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

Per

cent

Res

ponde

nts

Yes No

Discusses HIV With Client

Discussion of HIV with Clients

commercial sex business, they cannot have a race preference because they need money. Secondly the competition is stiff, so if one is choosy, one ends up with no clients. 10.4% of the respondents however indicated preference for African clients, this category practice the trade within their residential areas as they have hope of getting a husband or becoming mistresses from their choice of preference. Only one (1) respondent preferred Asian clients.

6:1:7. Number of clients and discussion on HIV/Aids and mode of payment Number of customers per day The survey further revealed that 38.8% of the respondents received between 3-4 clients in a day. 13.4% had over 6 clients in a day. 29.9% of the respondents had 1-2 clients in a day. It was also revealed by 4 respondents that the number of clients depended on the day and date of the month and their menstrual cycle.

Are you aware of your HIV status? 32.8% of the commercial sex workers were aware of their HIV/AIDS status. 61.2% of the respondents were not aware of their HIV status. 1.5% of the respondents did not comment on the matter.

Discussion of HIV/AIDS with clients

A total of 47 respondents revealed that they discussed HIV/AIDS with their clients. That makes up 70.1% of the total respondent percentage. 28.4% of the respondents however do not discuss HIV/AIDS with their clients. The findings revealed that

most clients are always drunk and do not entertain discussions on health issues, others are ignorant of its effects as exemplified by the following remark by a respondent from Kisumu: “….Ukimwi ni kama malaria na kuna dawa laku nonesha…”

Translated: (HIV is like malaria with medication that makes you fat) How is Payment Done?

Findings on the survey revealed the rates of payment in exchange for sex with the CSWs differs widely: 26.9 % said that this depended on the client’s looks: “if you look rich you pay more.” 17.9% said that they are paid between Kshs. 101-200. Ten respondents said they are paid Kshs. 500 and above. One respondent however said that she does not charge since some of the clients are regular while two respondents get gifts and clothes in exchange for sex. From the survey it emerged that Payment is done just before service is offered. On further enquiry on when payment for sex is made, 74.6% of the respondents said that they demanded for payment before service. 20.9% are paid after services while 2% did not charge for their services.

6:1:8. Client’s behaviour, number of friends in the same activity and children’s

action



35

Parents Aware of Child's sexual activity

0

20

40

60

80

M issing Yes No They Suspect

Parents Aware

Per

cent

Res

pond

ents

Clients’ behaviour With reference to the behaviour of the clients, 19.4% of the respondents reported that their clients displayed violence of either physical or verbal nature. 17.9% reported that they encountered rude clients while 58.2% of the respondents said that their clients were polite. 3% of the respondents however said the behaviour of their clients depended on the circumstances. Child’s action when clients won’t pay In the event that the clients refuse to pay, 37.3% of the respondents said that they took no action while 22.4% call for help. 7.5% of the respondents confront their clients while 6% hide the client’s clothes. 11.9% respondents insist on payment whereas 3% just run away.

Action taken in case of violence by client The respondents were also asked what actions they took in the event that their clients turned violent. 23.9% reported that they take no action while 26.9% said that they normally call for help. 13.4% indicated that in such situations, they normally take off. 11.9% of the respondents however said that they would reason with their clients while 6% fight back and even try to kill their clients. 4.5% resorted to black mailing the client and threatening to inform the client’s spouse and 3% consult a witch doctor to harm those clients. It is interesting to note that among the measures taken against such clients by 1.5% of the respondents is to: ” ….set up such a client with an HIV positive colleague the next time the client shows up…..y.” The number of friends in commercial sex work The findings indicated that the respondents also had friends engaged in the trade. 28.4% respondents indicated that they had many friends in commercial sex work. 10.4% had 7 friends engaging in commercial sex work while 9% had friends in the trade. 4.5 % of the respondents however did not know whether their friends were involved. The most significant outcome was the fact that these children share clients among themselves.

6:1:9. Parental awareness, opinion and children contribution at the household

Are Parents Aware of Child’s Sexual activities? 67.2% parents of the respondents are not aware of their children’s involvement in

commercial sex work. 19.4% parents are aware.

Parents’ opinion on Commercial sex activity It emerged from the findings that 16.4% parents who were aware of their children’s involvement in commercial sex

work have never made any comment to its effect since they are beneficiaries of the proceeds. 9% of the parents are however reported to have tried to stop their children. 3.0% of the children’s parents hate but have no way of stopping it while 59.7% of the parents were non committal which means they were aware and either were initiators, perpetuators or



36

beneficiaries

Children’s contribution at the household level Percentage (respondent) Question yes No

Do children bring food 56.7 40.3 If children bring money home 32.8 62.7 If the children have ever been arrested by police 56.7 40.3 56.7% of the respondents reported that they took food home from their work. 40.3% however do not spend their earnings on food. On further enquiry whether the CSWs took their earnings home, 62.7 % reported that they did not while 32.8% said they took their money home. Findings of their socio economic background revealed that they provide both food and money and most of the parents encourage it. The survey’s findings also revealed that 56.7% of the respondents have at some point in their work been arrested by the police.

What time do girls return home at night? The timings of most respondents vary with where the service was being delivered and the day of week and date of the month. When there are festivities in town it also influences the times when they get home. 17.9% of the respondents reported that they returned home at 6.00 p.m. while 17.9% said that they do not return home at night. Most of their timings also range from 23:00pm up to 6:00 am while others who practice it within the residential areas come home around 22: 00 pm and midnight. 6:1:10. Treatment and consideration of friendly treatment centres and hazards and challenges faced Where do girls seek treatment when they fall sick? The findings of the survey indicated that 40.3% of the respondents sought treatment from local dispensaries where they live. Note that 14.9% of the CSWs do seek treatment from traditional herbalists when they fall sick. The other respondents go to various hospitals at their localities for treatment. The survey further revealed that some of the treatment centres are discriminative and not maintain confidentiality, while others especially the public hospitals are affordable and more accessible to them. Although most of the children hardly reveal the kind of work they do for a living, upon interrogation in hospitals some admit since they are desperate and need urgent treatment. Most hospitals do not have specific CSW programmes. Would you consider treatment centres friendly? On the respondents’ opinion about the hospitals they go to, 41.8% complained that the facilities were not friendly while 34.3% regarded them as friendly. 6% of the respondents held no opinion on the subject.

What are some of the hazards /difficulties experienced at work?

Lack of proper payment Lack of proper clothing and food The Job is tiring Afraid of Multiple partners



37

These children have Itchy private parts Income not constant Violence from client’s girlfriends and spouses Rape and violence Some clients demand sex without condoms Lack of safety and attacks by gangsters Stigma from society and violence from fellow girls Get beaten or harassed by police

Revelations on the difficulties and hazards experienced during the practice of commercial sex work highlight non payment for services and rape as the greatest hazards. This was reported by 16.4% of the respondents. Other difficulties were mentioned as police harassment [10.4%]. Genital infections [6%], Gangster attacks [3%]. It was also realized from 6% of the respondents that some clients demanded for sex without using condoms.

6:1:11. Current and preferred future jobs and willingness to quit Other occupation held by CSWs The survey findings revealed that the respondents were engaged in other occupations other than commercial sex work. 14.9% of the CSWs engaged in small business while 10.4% were bar attendants and waitresses. 11.9% respondents are casual workers while 7.5% engage in hairdressing [work salon]. House helps formed 4.5% of the respondents. 35.8% of the respondents were however not in any additional employment.

Willingness to quit work The CSWs were also asked if they were willing to quit practicing as commercial sex workers. 53.7% of the respondents indicated willingness to quit. 37.3% of the respondents were however not willing to quit working as CSWs. 4.5% that is 2 of the respondents were not decided. Future Occupation Preference by CSWs On alternative career preference, a majority of the respondents [28.4%] indicated that they would rather be business people in future while 11.9% preferred hairdressing for future occupation. 9% of the respondents wished to settle in marriage and motherhood. Other occupations of choice that were highlighted during the survey are disc jockeying 3%; counselling 4.5%; and interior design, military, nutrition and law. There were

Missing 10% Salon work

8%

None 35% Bar

Attendant / Waitress

10%

Small business 15%

Employed 5%

Casual work 12%

House help

5%



38

however respondents who indicated that they would prefer to stay in commercial sex 1.5% and even advance to be international sex workers or brothel operators 3%. It is worth noting that 9% of the respondents wish to go back to school, finish their education, and get better jobs. The survey results indicate factors that bring children into the sex industry such as poverty, peer pressure, coercion by relatives including financial and social circumstances and low aspirations in life.

6:2. CHILD SCHOOL DROP OUTS

6.2.1. Introduction The survey reached 52 respondents from various backgrounds and established and determined why these children had to dropout of school. The results from the study were obtained from questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Most of the children dropped out of school in primary level and only 2 dropped at secondary level. These children either live alone, with a relative or friend and very few live with their parents or guardians. From the findings 51% had mothers alive while 71.2% fathers are dead and were left on their own or with guardians. It emerged from the survey that most of the guardians are unemployed or in small businesses, meaning the children under their care hardly get their basic needs hence had to resort to commercial sex for sustainability. The reasons cited for leaving school by most respondents were poverty, early pregnancy, indiscipline and being orphaned with no one to care for them, hence the children have to fend for themselves. The children resorted to commercial sex as alternative source of income to support family, while others have child headed households in need of food and other basic needs. Some of the respondents informed the survey that they are in need of money and good clothes. According the District Labour Officer in Kisumu:

“the earnings from sex work contribute to the household income and are minimally used for leisure….”

The survey findings reported that the children approached clients directly and they had no age preference while the location of sexual activity was either in client’s house or lodging or their preference of choice. Majority got between 3-4 clients daily and charged between 100-200 and above 500/= depending on the day, date and seasonality of the month and payment is gotten before service Majority reported that they take alcohol/drugs before having sex due to the nature of the activity and do want to be oblivious of their activity and the client they are engaging and majority use condoms and do not discuss HIV with customers. Most of their clients are polite while others are rude; whenever payment is not received they call for help or hide the client’s clothes and even get to a witch doctor when the need arises. The results indicated that most of the friends are involved in the same trade and they spend time in Discos, Pubs, Markets and neighbourhoods to protect each others territory and are also in gangs. The respondents revealed that commercial sex has interfered with their lives. The reasons cited were the fear of contraction of HIV and other STDs, getting pregnant with unknown



39

Age Distribution of Drop Out Sex Workers

0

10

20

30

40

11 Y

rs

13 Y

rs

14 Y

rs

15 Y

rs

16 Y

rs

17 Y

rs

18 Y

rs

19 Y

rs

21 Y

rs

Age (Yrs)

Per

cent

Res

pond

ents

persons and the fear of stigmatization hence not being able to get husbands. Others stated that they are already involved in drug trafficking and cannot stop since that is where the money is. Besides, they are already marked, feel stigmatized in the society and at times are embarrassed by their profession. They felt that the community has not been very nice to them. From the findings it emerged that majority of CSW (65.4%) felt they would rather go back to school given a chance. Even though the community reaction is to sympathize, they isolate and discriminate against these children and even refer to them as “HIV transmitters” . They show scorn towards children engaged in commercial sex work and deny them a chance to interact with their siblings. From the community’s perspective, building village polytechnics, enactment of strict and stringent laws can reduce the practice of child commercial sex workers. During focus group discussions with key informants, it emerged that poverty is the root cause of children’ engagement in commercial sex, and it was proposed that entrepreneurial activities could be an alternative source of income.

6:2:2. Age, position of birth, level of Education and school attended Age of Respondent The age of most of the respondents range from 11-18years, the study revealed that majority

of the respondents dropped out of school at age 17 years- 26.8%. 28.8% could not proceed to high school due to lack of fees. The most affected gender from the survey findings was female, 86.5% and male who made 13.5%, the justification was that educate the boy and not the girl if resources are meagre. Position of birth among siblings The position of birth amongst the

respondents reached ranged from 1st born to 9th born in the family. Majority of the drop outs 30.8% (16) were first born. This is an indication that responsibility of the family burden was on them. 9 respondents 17.3% were second born, 21.2% were third born while fourth born made 11.5% of the sample. The rest of the respondents ranged from 5th to 9th position of birth in the family. School the respondent attends (see annex 8) Most of the respondents dropped out in primary school and 5 dropped out in high school. The schools attended were public with only 2 respondents from private schools. Level of education of children

Highest Level of Education

Education Level Percent Respondents

None 15.4

Lower Primary 9.5



40

Upper Primary 57.7

Secondary 17.3

The highest level of education for the drop out is 17.3% from secondary level, 57.7% dropped out in upper primary while 9.5% dropped out in lower primary. Of these several factors indicated for dropping out of school include early pregnancy, poverty, parent’s death and migration back to the rural, loss of interest in education and truancy.

6:2:3. Reasons for leaving school, parent/guardian occupation and who the child lives with Why respondent left school Frequency Percent Peer Influence 5 5 Lack of Interest 1 1.9 Parent’s death 1 1.9 Did Not Like School 2 3.8 No Money for School fees 24 46.2 Poverty had to earn family income 4 7.7 Disobedience and fighting in school 1 1.9 Was not performing well in school 3 5.8 Became Pregnant had to drop out 7 13.5 Was never in school 2 3.8 Was orphaned and had family responsibilities 2 3.8 Total 52 100.0 Majority of the respondents, 24 at 46.2 % dropped out of school due to lack of school fees, 13.5% as a result of early pregnancy, 9.6% out of peer influence, 1.9% each as a result of lack of interest in school and parent’s death and also disobedience in school, 5.8% not performing well in school. Who does Child live with? Majority of those interviewed 30.8% live with relatives, 23.1% live alone, 15.4% live with mother, and 9.6% live with both parents. 7 respondents live with friends and 13.5% respondents live with the husband.

Respondents Parents Alive

Parent Yes No

Mother 51.9 48.1

Father 28.2 71.2

27 at 51.9% of the respondents had mothers alive while 25 respondents made 48.1% whose mothers had died. 37 of the respondents made 71.2% whose fathers are dead while 15 who constituted 28.2% had fathers alive. Parents/Guardian's Occupation 19 respondents at 36.5% were doing business while 9 respondents at 17.3% practiced farming, 5 respondents at 9.6% had parents employed, and 100 revealed that they had no jobs at 19.2% and 2 were casuals which depict unsteady incomes.



41

6:2:4. Child’s rationale of engagement in CSW Reason respondent chose commercial sex work

Frequency Percent Good clothes and money 10 19.2 Easy Money 9 17.3 Source of Income to support family 24 46.2 Not a CSW 6 11.5 For fun 3 5.8 Total 52 100.0

46.2 % chose commercial sex as a source of income to support their families, since they are orphans, 17.3% for clothes and easy money, 5.8% for fun and 11.5% were not CSWs.

6:2:5. Clients Approach, location of sexual activity, age and race preference How Respondents get their clients

Frequency Percent Direct Approach 24 46.2 Fellow Commercial Sex Workers 16 30.8 Both Direct Approach and fellow CSWs 5 9.6 Called to clients house 1 1.9 Not Applicable 6 11.5 Total 52 100.0

46.2% directly approach clients, 30.8% get clients through fellow CSW, 9.6% get clients both ways while 1.9% is called to client’s house during the day.

Where respondents get their clients Majority of the respondents,34.6% get clients in night spots, 17.3% in trading centers,7.7% in highway transit points, 3.8% in hotels and 15.4% do all the above with only 1.9% called to client’s house for overnight stay. Location of sexual activity 44.2% prefer going to the lodging, 19.2% do it both in the house and at the lodging, 15.4% at their preferred place of choice 5.8% in the park and 3.8% in the CSWs house. Age Preference Age preference was not applicable to 11.5% while 15.4% prefer the age of 30-40 because they are more energetic and are targets as husbands. 70% do not have age preference due to competition amongst themselves and the monetary gains. Race Preference 73.1% have no race preference since there are many who come along. 9.6% prefer Africans because the other races are into oral sex, 3.8% are into Asians and 1.9% has a preference for both Africans and Whites.

6:2:6. Drugs and sex, condom use and discussion on HIV/Aids Do children Drink or Take Drugs before having Sex



42

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Percent Respondents

Yes

No

Sometimes

Not Applicable

Use of Condoms during Sex

0

10

20

30

40

Yes No Not Applicable

Drug/Alcohol consumption before Sex 67.3% take alcohol or drinks before sex while 21.2 % do not take. The justification for those who don’t drink is that they steal from clients or have a regular client; while the other is due to fear and want to be oblivious of what is going on. The 11.5% are not CSWs.

The number of customer varies between 3-4 at 38.5% respondents while 17.3% of the respondents deal with 5-6 clients and 9.6% deals with 1-2 clients. 5.8% of the respondents state that number of clients depends on the day of the month and during end month they get more clients. Use of condoms The survey revealed that 63.5% of the respondents interviewed use condoms at all times,

while 19.2% respondents do not use since clients who pay more –‘nyama kwa nyama’ do not want condom usage. Other clients’ are regular customers who are trusted. The survey further revealed that 5.8% of respondents usually use condom occasionally depending on the kind of customers especially the Asians; customers’ demand and level of payment.

Girls Discussion of HIV/AIDS with clients The survey revealed that 63.5% of the respondents do not discuss this topic with their clients due to fear, ignorance, level of payment and competition from other colleagues. 25% discuss it with clients since they are enlightened and have friends suffering from the virus.

6:2:7. Payment, client’s behaviour and actions taken in case of no payment How is Payment Done? How is Payment done Frequency Percent Kshs 50- 100 2 2 Kshs 101- 200 4 7.7 Kshs 201 - 300 3 2 Kshs 301 - 400 2 3.8 Kshs 401 - 500 7 13.5 Kshs 500 and above 11 21.2 Charge varies depending on clients looks 9 17.3 No Charge 4 7.7 In form of gifts and clothes 1 1.9 Not Applicable 6 11.5 No comment 3 5.8 Total 52 100.0



43

Clients Behaviour

0

10

20

30

40

Vio

lent

(ver

bal/P

hysi

cal0

Rud

e

Pol

ite

Dep

ends

Not

App

licab

le

Per

cent

Res

pond

ents

Payment is meted depending on the client’s looks and in form of goods and clothes. Others vary, 3.8% charge between 50-100, 7.7% charge 101-200 and 5.8% charge 201- 300. 13.5% charge 400-500. Others don’t charge or will depend on the client’s needs. It emerged from the respondents that payment is done as follows 57.7% of the respondents revealed that they prefer payment before the services while 21.1% after service. Those other services are overnight clients. 9.6% said they do not charge since some clients are regular and pay when they feel like, and this amounts to exploitation of CSWs. Rate the clients' behaviours Most of the clients, 30.8% are usually polite with 28.8% very rude. 19.2% often depend on how you treat them while 9.6% of the respondents revealed that some clients are rude and

physically abusive. Girl’s action for clients who won’t pay Majority of the respondents take action when a client refuses to pay. 30.8%. of the respondents hardly react while 21.2% call for help if need arises, 15.4% always insist for payment upfront, 7.7% hide their clothes and wallet and call for help and 1.9% always run away. However one respondent reported that she threatens them with witchcraft. 13.5% were non committal and were suspicious that the researchers can use their

opinion against them. Girl’s action in case of violence Most of the respondents at 28.8% call for help in case of violence from clients while 19.2% take no action. It is worth noting that 13.5% fight back and can even kill the client, while others run away or try to reason with them. Some of the respondents were non committal on the actions they take.

6:2:8 Work Exposure to CSEC and type of friends How Work exposes respondent to commercial sex work 78.8% of the respondents interviewed do not work, 7.7% work in restaurants and get to meet potential clients, 3.8% work in hair salons and are influenced by others while 1.9% are either drug dealers or sell alcohol. How many of Girls’ friends are in commercial sex? Most of the respondents hang out together or in pairs. The survey also revealed that the friends were the initiators and they protect each other in the trade.

6:2:9. Parental awareness, future and alternatives and reasons Parent’s awareness of children engagement and how CSW has affected the future of the child, can the respondents return to school or seek alternative sources of incomes instead of the sex trade

Percent Respondents



44 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Percent Respondents

Not Aware

They don’t like it

I do not care what they thinkor say

No comment

They do not seem to care

They Sympathize with mysituation

Com

mun

ity R

eact

ion

Community Reaction

Question Yes No Not

Applicable Other

Parents awareness of Commercial sex activity 28.8 34.6 22.6 14

CSW Practice affect future life 44.2 58.8

If Respondent can return to school given the chance 34.6 65.4

If Respondents have alternative source of income 25 75

34.6% of the parents are not aware since they don’t live with them while 28.8% do practice the trade within their parent’s knowledge because they accept and appreciate the proceeds there from and are evasive or deny whenever confronted. Others are orphans so did not respond. 44.2% of the respondents feel CSW has interfered with their life and 58.8% do not feel that it has interfered with their future.

34.6% prefer going back to school if given the chance while 65.4% do not want to return to school because of stigmatization, they would rather get an alternative source of income.

Respondent’s explanation why they cannot go back school

Explanations for Interference Frequency Percent Chances are will not get married easily hence no future 1 1.9 Already Involved with drugs 6 11.5 Probably at risk of getting HIV 1 6 Fear of Pregnancy and abortion 2 3.8 I am unable to attend courses for improvement 5 9.6 I am embarrassed and envy my colleagues 6 6 Not Applicable 3 3.8

Total 28 9.6 11.5% stated that they will not get married due to immorality, 1.9% were involved in drugs and currently use it, 3.8% are at risk of getting HIV, 9.6% fear pregnancy, 5.8% are embarrassed and envy their colleagues who are full time CSWs. Where respondent spends most of time outside school 42.3% spend time in the neighbourhood and estates. 30.8% of them in discos, 9.6% in the markets and trading centres, 7.7% in the house with clients and the rest either in the street or at work. 75% of the respondents do not work and are in fulltime CSW while 25% do some work to supplement income and as a smokescreen to the society.

6:2:10. Community reaction and assistance to children in CSEC Community reaction to respondent dropping out of school 34.6% of the respondents do not favour school, 25% do not seem to care and



45

are also not aware 9.6% had no comment, 3.8% do not care what they think or say and 1.9% sympathizes with the situation.

How community can help school dropouts

Community Help Frequency Percent Not Decided 3 5.8 I don’t care 1 1.9 Enact strict laws against prostitution 1 1.9 Give equal opportunities to boys and girls 2 3.8 Provide sources of Income to earn living 19 36.5 No Comment 7 13.5 I do not think so the community is helpless 2 3.8 Build village polytechnics to educate the youth 2 3.8 Through counselling and awareness campaigns 1 1.9 Nothing 4 7.7 Give opportunities to return to school 9 17.3 Parents should love their children 1 1.9

Total 52 100.0

The community proposed several measures that can assist curb children school drop outs. Although they supported FPE most had different views, 36.5% view alternative sources of income as viable options, 17.3% preferred a back to school formulae, and 5.8% are not decided while 1.9% called for the enacting of strict laws against prostitution, give equal opportunities to boys and girls and through counselling and awareness and campaigns.

6:3. MATURE COMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS

6:3:1. Background and Survey results The survey reached 13 mature commercial sex workers with a view to determine their role in initiating and luring young children into commercial sex trade as an alternative source of income. The ages of the respondents in this category ranged from 20 -43 years, while the main gender was female. The highest level of education is class 7 while the lowest is class 2. This portrays lower literacy levels amongst the older CSWs. The longest serving CSW has been in the trade for 20 years while the shortest is 1 year. Majority of the respondents have been involved in commercial sex for 5 years which makes 23.1% of the population interviewed.



46

Mature CSW: Source of initiation to Commercial Sex

61.5

7.7

30.8

0

20

40

60

80

Friend Older CSW Relative(Aunt)

Source

Perce

nt R

espo

nden

ts

Most of the respondents interviewed were initiated into commercial sex business by friends who make 61.5% and relatives who make 30.8%. One respondent was introduced by an older commercial sex worker. The same applies to the younger commercial sex workers who the survey revealed were introduced to the trade by relatives and friends. Just like the younger CSWs, majority of them reside in the slums apart from one who resides at the up market Milimani in Kisumu. Most of the respondents live with relatives 32%, some live alone because they get their clients at home31%. 25 % of them reside with friends engaging in the same activity while 18% live with their mothers who encourage their sex trade since it brings food home. Majority have one living parents and are supporting their households, most of their parents occupation range from farming, business, petty trade, sale of alcohol while some are employed.

6:3.2 Source of clients and preferred location race and age preference Source of Clients Majority of the respondents get their clients using several approaches: direct approach 60%; 25% through fellow sex workers; 7.7% through pimps. Preferred location for sex and age preference The most preferred location of sexual activities is the lodging according to 70% of the respondents, 20% prefer their houses and lodging when necessary while 10% leave it to the client to decide. Race/Age preference Majority of the respondents in this category did not have any race preference due to competition and availability of clientele while others prefer having only African as clients. The most preferred age bracket is still (30-40 years). 30% of respondents preferred this age group because they are potential husbands particularly from the security force. 15% of the respondents preferred clients over the age of 60 years since they are humble and pay generously. Others preferred age 40 and others had no age preference. 70% of the respondents take drugs (Bhang/hard stuff) before having sex while 30% of the respondents do not. 55% of the respondents discuss HIV/Aids with the clients while 45% do not

6:3:3. Number of Clients, Mode of payment and client’s behaviour Number of clients accessed The numbers of clients vary according to day and date of the month. During high season 46%



47

Do Girls Bring Food or Money Home?

Yes, 69.2

Yes, 38.5No, 30.8

No, 61.5

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

Bring Food Bring Money

of the respondents indicated getting more than 6 clients and only 1-2 clients during low season. Being mature makes them experienced and informed on the dangers of HIV/Aids this is reflected on the level of condom use that is 85%. Mode of Payment Payment for service differs based on client assessment: if a regular client 80% reported they pay after the service, but if the client s new the payment is made upfront. The amounts vary from 200-300/= if its short time, 400-500/= if the day of the month is before midmonth while 500 and above during festivities and end of the month. Clients Behaviour Most of the respondents rate clients behaviour differently 46.2% find them polite, 23.1% find most of their clients rude while 15.4% found it difficult to rate them. The mature CSW have several ways of resolving issues with clients who refuse to pay for the service. They include calling for help or hiding his clothes while attempting to persuade him to pay up. In the event of violence, one respondent stated that she fights back and tries to kill the client; others run away and even get to inform the client’s spouse in revenge. Most of the friends (92.3%) of mature sex workers are engaged in fulltime commercial sex work.

6:3:4. Parental Awareness and Contribution towards household expenditure Parental awareness

40.0

45.0

50.0

55.0

Yes No

Are Parents aware of Girls Activities

45% of the respondents indicated that their parents are aware of their activities and were even the initiators while 55% revealed that their parents are not aware. Their response towards parent’s opinion revealed that 7.7% of the parents were the initiators, 30.8% hate it and 61.6% refrained from commenting. Contribution towards household expenditure

The survey findings revealed that 69.2% of the respondents in this category use the proceeds from sex trade to bring food home while 30.8% do not. This is an indication that CSW is a source of income to sustain livelihoods and households.



48

15.4

7.7

7.7

53.8

7.7

7.7

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

Percent Respondents

Salon w ork

Disc jockey

Law yer

Business

Nutritionist

Any Other Kind of Work

Prefered Occupation

Alternative occupation prefered by girls

6:3:5. Timings of Respondents Health and Hazards and difficulties met at work Time respondents return home Majority of the respondents reported that they return home between 4.00am to 5:30 am while others do not return home due to insecurity or if they get overnight clients. 61.5% reported that they have been arrested by the police while 38.5% had not. It emerged that the arrests are from police swoops and when clients accuse them of theft. Health Status

Would You Consider Treatment Centres Friendly?

Are you aware of your HIV status?

Dic

ho

to

mo

us

Res

po

nse

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Yes 10 76.9 76.9 76.9

No 3 23.1 23.1 23.1

Total 13 100.0 100.0 100.0

76.9% consider treatment centres friendly while 23.1% do not, the respondents reported that they are stigmatized and discriminated upon hence avoid public hospitals when they can afford. In the event of abortions they prefer private clinics because it is still illegal in government set ups. STDs cause stigmatization (48%) and they prefer seeking treatment where they are not known. 22% visit district hospitals; 8% visit local dispensaries; 18% visit provincial hospitals while 8% use traditional herbs.

Hazards and difficulties met at work 24% of the respondents reported insecurity and attack by gangsters due to the nature and timings of their work. 7.7% reported that stigma and violence from the society and fellow girls are the worst challenges. Due to competition and rising numbers of new entrants into the sex trade, there is need to guard own territory. From the findings 7.7% of the respondents reported violence and attacks from clients spouse and girl friends. Non payment was also mentioned as a major challenge. 15.5% revealed that some clients have itching genitals hence the risks of STDs; the income is not constant due to competition and season. It emerged that some respondents 7.7% are afraid of multiple partners and also find the job tiring.

6:3:6. Current Occupations and Preference for Quitting Majority of the respondents 30.8% have never been employed while 15.4% have either been



49

house helps, bar attendants or doing small business. Other occupations include saloon work and sale of second hand clothes. 76% of the respondents want to quit commercial sex trade if given an opportunity for alternative income while 23.1% are comfortable with their trade. Majority of the respondents 53.8% preferred doing business while 15.4% would rather own a salon business. One wants to be a lawyer to advocate for the rights of commercial sex workers. One of the respondents wanted to be a Disc Jockey she felt that they make a lot of money, while others were undecided on their future life.

6:4. HOUSE HOLD PARENTS During the survey, 90 house hold parents were reached 68.6 per cent of the parents revealed that they were not a ware of their children’s involvement in commercial sex work. 11.8 per cent suspected their children’s involvement while 19.6 per cent admitted that their children were involved in commercial sex work and 16.7% denied

Some of the parents 19.6% were fully aware of their children involvement in commercial sex and viewed it as an alternative income to the family. Others suspected the involvement of their children in the sex trade from the clothes and monies expended at home. Due to poverty they feel that despite its moral implications, there is very little they can do. Parents feel that they are not able to fend for themselves while their children are able to bring food and money at home and they do not question the source. 10% of the parents are not aware of their children’s role since the respondents interviewed cheat at home that they are visiting their friends and also do practice their trade during the day. Other parents gave reasons for the children involvement in commercial sex: looking for husbands; peer influence and pressure; lack of moral guidance from the parents; night club influence; selling alcohol and getting seduced by clients; and source of income for orphans. The majority of parents are occupied as casual labourers, teachers, house helps, commercial sex workers, Busaa brewers, pensioners, and house wives, self employed and employed. Despite the variance of income some of their children contribute to the household income and some children work and have decent jobs to support their families the highest sending to parents 4,000/= monthly. Although from the results of the findings others contribute at least 1000- 1200/= yet they don’t work, they also buy food and basic needs for their other siblings. One parent from Kiawara slums in Nyeri had this to say: “….if my daughter is beautiful and she can feed me why bother where she gets the food” Most of the decisions are made by parents, guardians, elder sister/brother and mother.

Some parents (63.3%) do provide for their children although they come home late or in the evening hours the explanation given was that they are out visiting friends and relatives in the neighbourhoods, some go to night clubs others go for Keshas (night prayers ) and night funeral meetings. Other parents revealed that their children work in bars or work late in hotels and lodges. According to the parents, arrests are conducted by police due to thefts, crack downs, prostitution, alcoholism, funeral attendance, drugs, and Keshas (overnight prayers). When asked their opinion towards children involvement in commercial sex, some parents justified this behaviour by citing degeneration of societal morals, and the need for every family member to contribute in sustaining the family.



50

Age Group Distribution

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

< 20 20-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 > 40

Age Group

No. R

esp

onden

ts

The survey was conducted based on a random sample of selection of various residential areas with a higher population of commercial sex workers and deprived neighbourhoods. The distribution was as follows:

� The respondents were parents from 21 randomly selected households. In Eldoret survey on households was conducted in the estates as follows; Kamkunji, Huruma, Roadblock, Manyaka, Kambi Nyasi, Raiply quarters, Baharini, Maile Nne, Mwanzo, Kimumu, Sugunga, Cyrus and Taire Mbili estates of Eldoret town.

� 20 households were reached in Nyeri: Kiawara, Wetemere, Majengo, Mweiga, Rirungu most of the respondents were parents and grandmothers.

� 24 respondents were reached in Nairobi: Majengo, Mlolongo, Kibera, Huruma, Gikomba, Kawangware, Kangemi.

� 25 respondents were reached in Kisumu: Obunga, Usoma, Dunga Manyatta, Kondele, Nyalenda, Bandani, Nyawita

6:4:1. Age and Gender Distribution of Respondents Gender of respondents The study reached a total of 90 respondents 27 males (30%) and 63 females (70%) who were randomly selected from identified residential areas. Some were single parents, others were widowed or separated but most had teenage children. Others were still young but guardians of their siblings due to loss of parents. The Age of Respondents Respondents from the household survey were of various ages. A majority of the respondents

[55%] were in the 45 and 55 years category. The youngest respondent at the household level was 19 years old while the oldest was 67 years. [See table above.] Of the respondents interviewed, 70% [63] were female while 30% [27] were males.

6:4:2. Occupation and Incomes of Parents Occupation of parents Most of the respondents are in petty trade 33%; farmers 23%; 22% office workers; 5.6% teachers; 1.1% accounted for a college tutor, and a retired respondent respectively. Others included watchmen, house wives and commercial sex workers. Findings revealed that respondents were involved in alcohol brewing [1.1%] worked as bar maids [1.1%] or engaged in commercial sex work [2.2%]. Parents Income per Month



51

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

M issing Kshs. 0-5,000 Kshs. 5001-10,000

Kshs. 10,001-20,000

above Kshs.20,001

Income of Respondents

Perce

nt Preva

lenc

e

The study

revealed that majority of house holds parents 53% had incomes of less than 5,000 Kshs monthly and they had to depend on the children’s contribution to sustain their livelihood. While 16.7% had incomes ranging from 5000/= -10,000/= and 14.4% had incomes ranging from 10,000-20,000/= and only 7.8% households had incomes above 20,000Kshs. The survey findings revealed that their salaries were not commensurate with their stated incomes upon further investigations.

6:4:3. Does the parent stay with the child? The survey findings revealed that 57.8% (52) of the respondents were living with their children while in 42.2% of the parents revealed that they do not live with their children. If No, Please explain: Who lives with child Frequency Percent Children live with parents 52 57.8 2 Children Are Living With Their Families 1 1.1 2 Sons In Their Houses, 2 Girls Run Away From The House 2 Yrs Ago And The Youngest Son Is At The House.

1 1.1

All Are Adults 5 5.6 All Are Adults With Their Families 1 1.1 Elder Son Is Adult 1 1.1 Employed Ones Live On Their Own 1 1.1 First Born Son Is Jailed, Second Born Daughter, Is Staying With Aunt Due To Pregnancy And The Two Younger Ones Stays At The House.

1 1.1

I've Go to Daughters Only And All Are Married 1 1.1 In Boarding School 1 1.1 Older Children Are Working And Young Ones Are Staying With The Older Ones

1 1.1

One Child (Son) Living With Uncle 1 1.1 One Child And Married 1 1.1 Separated Work 1 1.1 Some Are Adults 1 1.1 Some Are Married 12 13.3 Some Are Out For Jobs 1 1.1 Some Sent To Stay At Home Due To Involvement With Bad Boys 1 1.1 Staying Boarding School 1 1.1 The Elder Lives Elsewhere 1 1.1 The Elder Ones Lives Elsewhere 2 2.2 The Older Ones Lives Elsewhere 1 1.1 They Stay In Their Rented Houses 1 1.1 Total 90 100.0 The reasons given by the parents for not staying with their children were varied. Majority of the responses indicated that 13.3% of the children were married, and a further 5.6% were



52

0

10

20

30

40

50

No.

Res

pond

ents

Age Bracket

Age Children Start Working

0 20 40 60 80

Do Boys and Gils perform Similar Work?

Not Sure

Yes

No

grown ups that had their own families. 13.3% of the respondents’ children were out of their parents’ homes or working. There were cases of younger children who were living with elder siblings 1.1% and other relatives 1.1%. Respondents had children who attend boarding schools. 36.7% of the respondents had attained secondary education while 31.1% had primary education. 18.9% respondents had gone to colleges while 12.2% had never been to school. 6:4:4 Age children started working and their contribution towards household

expenditure Age the Children Start Working According to most parents, children start working from 16years though 45% of the

respondents were non committal on the age their children started working. The respondents revealed that the majority of their children 22.5% start work at the age of 20 years. The youngest age reported in this case was 8 years for

2.5% of the respondents, while another 2.5% said that children started working at the age of 30 years. Children contribution towards monthly household income From the survey findings 33.3 % of the respondents were non committal on who contribute s towards their household expenditure. 1.1% provide 4,000/= monthly. Other respondents reported that most of their children [5.6%] contributed approximately 1000 Kshs to the household monthly incomes. 3.3% reported that their children contribute a lot towards the household expenditure. 35.6% of the households however did not benefit from children’s contributions. 6.7% support their household by buying food and other basic needs.

6:4:5. Gender division of labour If the boys and girls perform similar work

It emerged from the findings that boys and girls do not perform similar work. [Table aside] 4.4% of the Respondents attributed this to differences in physical strength between boys and girls. Other reasons given were age difference 1.1% and the different approaches to play. Other respondents said that this was because their children were only girls or only boys. Some of the respondents still had their children in school.

If the boys and girls perform similar work If NO, explain:



53

Frequency Percent Girls do domestic work 80 88.9 Because Of Age Difference 1 1.1 Boys Are Active Than Girls 4 4.4 I Have Only Boys 3 3.3 I Have Only Girls 1 1.1 They Only Have Different working Techniques 1 1.1 Total 90 100.0 The majority of the respondents had daughters doing domestic work at home, while others have only male children who were doing manual work for a little pay. The existence of gender inequality in responsibility allocation was evident partly due to Afro centric approach towards division of work

6:4:6. Parents Occupation, Decision Making and Provision for Children Kinds of work the parents are involved in Frequency Percent Unemployed 36 40.0 Bar Maids 1 1.1 Brewing Changaa and Busaa 1 1.1 Business 3 3.3 Business And Employment 2 2.2 Business, Employment And Preaching 1 1.1 Casual Worker And Hawking 1 1.1 Commercial Sexual Work 3 3.3 Employment 23 25.6 Employment And Others Self-Employment 1 1.1 Farming 3 3.3 Fishing 1 1.1 Help In Selling Changaa 3 3.3 House Hold Work 1 1.1

House Wife

1 1.1

Only Domestic Work 1 1.1 Saloon 1 1.1 Saloon And Cart -Handler 1 1.1 Self-Employment 1 1.1 Teaching 1 1.1 They Collect Charcoal And Scrap For Scale 1 1.1 Touts 1 1.1 Used To Be A Conductor But Now Jailed 1 1.1 Total 90 100.0 40% of the respondents informed the study they are unemployed, 25.6% and in formal employment, 3.3% are in fulltime commercial sex work, 3.3% in business and 2.2% in business and employment, selling Changaa and farming. Others are teachers while the rest of the respondents are engaged in hawking, touting, saloon, sale of second hand clothes, bar maids, domestic servants, charcoal sale and fishing. From the occupations one can deduce their estimated

House Maid 1 1.1



54

Do you buy your Children Clothes?

Not Sure1%

Yes70%

No29%

Decision making processes in the family

Decision Maker on Childrens Education matters

0

10

20

30

40

Findings from the survey on decision-making at the household levels indicated that mothers were the major decision makers in the houses i.e. 36.7%. Joint decisions were indicated in 26.7% of the households. Fathers only decisions accounted for 21.1% of the households. There was 1.1% decision making by elder siblings. Mothers also seemed aware of what their children were doing; some of the fathers were drunkards and hardly contributed towards the household expenditures such as paying school fees hence the rationale of mothers’ role in decision making. Buying Children clothes and basic needs When asked if they bought their children clothes and other requirements, 70% of the

respondents said they did while 29% did not. On further interviews it emerged that the children buy their own clothes. When asked where they got money to buy the reason was from friends and savings.

6:4:7: Timings of Children at home and their nocturnal activities What time do your children come home? Day Time: The majority of the respondents 66.7% reported that their children came home at 6.00 p.m. just after school. 6.7% respondents reported that their children reported home at 7.00 pm. 1.1% respondents each however had children who reported at 10.00 p.m., 11.00 p.m., midnight, 3.00 a.m., and 4.00 a.m. while others 13.3% reported home at 8:am. Some of the respondents informed the survey that their children are always at home and 5.6% are always in and out of the house. What time do your children come home? Night Time: 76.7% are usually home between 7.00 pm and 10 pm, some parents contradicted themselves while others (8.3%) said their children come home between midnight and early morning. Other parents were none committal. 3.3% of the parents informed the survey that they ensure their children are home before darkness fall. Where do children go at night?



55

Not Sure, 4.4

Yes, 68.9

No, 26.7

0

20

40

60

80

Do you know of any child in Commercial Sex?

2.2

17.8

80

0

20

40

60

80

Not Sure Yes No

Are Respondents Children involved in commercial sex?

When asked where their children go at night, majority of the parents [10%] reported that their children attended night clubs. 1.1% respondents each, reported that their children had gone to bars, commercial sex work, hanging out in the neighbourhoods or partying with friends. 3.3% of the respondents did not know where their children went at night.[See table below] Night Activities

Frequency Percent

Night Activities 25 27.8 Around The Community And Friends 1 1.1 Attend Night Clubs 9 10.0 Bar & Street 1 1.1 Big Girls Go Out With Men To Get Support For The For The Family

1 1.1

Cannot Tell 3 3.3 Don't Know 3 3.3 Go Out On Decision Of The Parent 2 2.2 Go Out To Parties And Visit Friends On Permission 1 1.1 Hanging Out At The Shopping Centres Or At Their Friends 1 1.1 Nowhere Always Within The Compound 35 38.9 One Works In The Hotel Until 4.00 Am 1 1.1 Outing 2 2.2 Parties And Visit To Elder Brother 1 1.1Some Stay At Home, Some Go To Night Clubs. 1 1.1Where They Wish To Be 1 1.1Work At Night 1 1.1Works In Bar Until Very Late 1 1.1Total 90 100.0

6:4:8. Knowledge of children engaged in commercial sex in the Neighbourhood and if own children are involved

Do you know of any children involved in commercial sex work in your neighbourhood?

68.9% of the respondents (62) knew of children involved in commercial sex work [table aside]. On further enquiry however 16.8% of the respondents (24) revealed that their children were involved. See table above. The study informs that from their neighbourhoods the activity is evident since they decry peer influence and neighbours luring their

children with gifts and monies from elusive sources. Some parents have their children’s friends engaged in the sex trade and they are the perpetrators.

Are your own children involved in this activity Yes/No?

When asked to give reason for the children’s involvement in commercial sex work 17% of the parents admitted the rationale was contribute to household expenditure.



56

Majority (80%) denied their children’s involvement in commercial sex activities. 2 parents 2.2% were not sure if their children were engaged in commercial sex. The study revealed that if the parent was the initiator and a beneficiary in the child’s sex work, there was great denial on whether the child was a CSW. But if the parent was not involved, they readily admitted knowledge of child’s CSW and even wanted assistance on how the child could be assisted to stop CSW. “Parents do not seem to mind their children engagement in commercial sex due to poverty” Journalist Nyeri Why are the children involved in this activity? If yes, (please specify): Most of the respondents who admitted their children’s involvement in the sex trade justified the engagement with various reasons: searching for husbands; seduced when selling alcohol; loss of guardians/parents HIV/AIDS; early pregnancies and the need to fend for their children; peer influence; lack of space in informal settlements; lack of moral guidance. Other parents suspect but have never found them although the children always have money with elusive source In your opinion, why are they involved in this activity? The survey informed the reasons why these respondents’ children are involved in commercial sex as majority of the respondents (38.9%) saw poverty as the root cause of children involvement in commercial sex. 11.1% felt that peer influence was to blame, 12.2 % were of the view that the children lacked moral guidance and 2.2% blamed it on their upbringing. Other reason were reported as being orphaned 1.1% as a result of HIV/AIDS while 28.9% blamed it on demands for basic needs, looking for money and satisfying their desires 1.1% respectively As a parent / guardian, what is your view towards your children's involvement in this activity?

Majority of parents (36.7%) feel that their children involvement in commercial sex is as a result of the decline of societal moral values; 7.8% of the respondents are of the view that the children lacked moral guidance. 3.3% felt that the government should come up with a legal framework that stops the practice. They view the introduction of income generating activities as an alternative to commercial sex trade.

Frequency Percent Stop it 38 42.2

Danger HIV / Aids 1 1.1 If Only I Can Get Help Then I Can Stop Them From This Activity. 1 1.1 It's The Only Style Of Better Living 1 1.1 Lack Of Moral Guidance 7 7.8 Leads To HIV / Aids Killer 1 1.1 No Decision 1 1.1 No Respect To The Parents 1 1.1 Poverty 1 1.1 The Government To Give Assistance In Order To Stop This Illicit Business Which Involves Them In Commercial Sex.

3 3.3

They Are Not Involved 1 1.1 This Activity Is Bad, Immoral And Dangerous 33 36.7 To Initiate Income Generating Project To Sustain Themselves. 1 1.1 Total 90 100.0



57

Have any of your children ever been arrested by the police?

Has any of own children been arrested?

3.3

30

66.7

0

20

40

60

80

Not Sure Yes No

Majority (66.7%) of the respondent’s children have never been arrested by the police, 30% have been arrested while 3.3% are not sure if they have been arrested Reasons given by parents for children arrest by police

64 of the parents 71.1% reported their children have never been arrested Most of the case of arrest by the police was due to lawlessness, drug abuse, sale of alcohol, stealing and night raids. According to the respondents 3.3% were the only ones arrested due to prostitution while 1.1% was arrested after snatching from a client who did not pay for the services rendered.

Frequency Percent Never been arrested 64 71.1 Arrested Due To Drunkardness 3 3.3 Arrested Due To Theft 1 1.1 Arrested On Police Crackdown In The Estate 3 3.3 Arrested On Police Crackdown In The Street 1 1.1 Caught Due To Stealing 1 1.1 Caught On Police Track down 2 2.2 Caught Selling Changaa 3 3.3 Caught When Going To Church Fellowship 1 1.1 Caught When Police Track down On Prostitutes Was In Town 3 3.3 Due To Involvement In Drugs 1 1.1 Due To Lack Of Fishing Licenses 1 1.1 Found With Changaa In The House 1 1.1 Involvement In Stealing someone Property 1 1.1 Jailed Due To Robbery Case 1 1.1 One Child Was Mistaken For A Thief 1 1.1 One Of The Girls Involved In Commercial Sex Snatched male client his Money. This led to her arrest by the Police.

1 1.1

The Driver Involved In Road Accident 1 1.1 Total 90 100.0



58

6:5. TEACHERS/COUNSELLORS

6:5:1. Introduction The baseline survey reached a total of 57 teacher’s/counsellors from various public and informal primary schools, and secondary schools. The duration of service ranged from 2 to 32 years. This experience provided comprehensive data for the study. The oldest pupil in the school visited was 34 due to FPE. The teachers interviewed revealed that absenteeism was moderately serious. The reasons cited were: child labour/domestic work; family disinterest in education; poverty and no money for school fees and revenue; parents’ illness; farming, fishing and harvesting and fending for younger siblings. It emerged from the results that 24.6% of the children in school were also involved in commercial sex. The teacher-pupil sex relation according to the study stands at 8%. The teachers disclose that they are able to identify the children in commercial sex because they are very vibrant, flashy and conspicuous. Others open up during counselling sessions. Fellow pupils also report them. Others are seen at night clubs. Some openly seduce teachers; others have money and are withdrawn and isolated. 35.5% of their parents are aware of their involvement in prostitution according to the teachers; although other parents when confronted they accuse the teachers of spoiling the children’s names. Other parents find it normal while others are defensive, some complain to teacher and seek school assistance by appreciating life skills, guidance and counselling.

According to majority of the respondents, the rationale for involvement of children in commercial sex are poverty, peer influence, broken homes, neglected orphan and others being encouraged to bring money and food. Other reasons given were poor upbringing and parental attitude including expulsion of children from home by parents due to pregnancy. It emerged from the findings that behavioural problems linked to commercial sex were drug abuse, peer pressure, STDs, early pregnancy, delinquency, mischief, isolation, sleeping in class, withdrawn in school, absenteeism, rude, disrespectful, luring others with money and flashy life including care free attitude. The respondents gave the researchers opportunity to talk to some of the girls who have been rehabilitated or are suspected to be engaged in sex trade. The survey was informed on how the schools have been dealing with the problem by providing guidance and counselling, following up with parents and approaching the provincial administration especially the chiefs to assist. Some of the coping strategies reported by the teachers from observing these children are staying in groups, peer instilled influence and teachers being strict. According to the teachers and counsellors, the process of re-integrating the children include motivation talks, guidance and counselling, supervising and monitoring their activities, encouragement, taking them to children’s home, teaching positive life skills and love.

From the survey results, acceptance of these children takes along process, and the reasons cited include suspicion, discrimination, stigma and isolation. However some of the children were noted to have a positive will to change. The teachers and counsellors provided suggestions as solutions: to the vice. These suggestions include curbing child labour, sensitizing on dangers of prostitution, eradicating poverty, and identifying alternative sources of income, strengthening FPE, providing economic empowerment, guidance and counselling, and quality time for children. They further emphasized the need for more rehabilitation centres for such children.



59

0

2

46

8

10

1214

No.

of S

choo

ls

No. of Students

Distribution of school students by GenderMales Females

0 10 20

30

40

50

Percent Respondents

M issing

Very good

Good

fair

Poor

Very poor

Attend

ance

Lev

el

Attendance Level of Pupils

26.3

66.7

7

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Performance

Good

fair

Poor

Per

cent

Rat

ing

School Performance Rating

6:4:2. Length in profession of teachers How long have you been a teacher? The survey findings revealed that majority of the respondents had been in the teaching service for a period ranging from 1 year to 32 years. The experience of the teachers provided an advantage for the study. Most of them gave very diverse and in depth information concerning the root causes of children engagement in sex work to include performance of the children in school, levels of dropping out and their socio-economic background.

6:5:3. Socio-economic profile of pupils, performance and school attendance levels Age of the Oldest Pupil The age of the oldest pupil according to the surveyed schools is 34 years while the youngest is 10 years. The rationale of this is that the introduction of Free Primary Education re-integrated children who had dropped out of school due to non payment of fees and other school levies with the regular attendees. The effect it has in the schools varies from school to school; and this encompasses luring of the younger children into commercial sex trade, exposure to money and good clothes. Majority of the children aged between 16 -20 years are in upper class. 19.3% of the pupils are 17 & 20 years old, 25.8% of them are 19 years,12.3% are 18 years, 5.3% at 22, 7% are between the ages of 15 & 16 and 1.8% are between ages 25 & 34. Gender Distribution of pupils

The gender distribution of the pupils shows more males in schools than females in majority of the schools. The survey findings revealed that the location of these schools in the informal settlements influences parents’ attitude towards education. Some prefer their daughters working as domestic helps in addition to attending to family responsibilities.

Attendance level According to the survey carried out, attendance levels vary, 10.5% go to school every day, 47.4% are on average, 53.1% rate fairly, 3.5% poor and 1.8% very poor. The rationale was that the location of some of the schools influenced the children’s attendance.

Performance 66.7% of the pupils perform fairly, 26.3%



60 0

20

40

60

80

Per

cent C

ount

Seriousness

Degree of Seriousness of Pregnancy

performance is average and 7% perform poorly. According to the respondents, the performance of the pupils is bizarre and most of them hardly get to secondary school. The justification was that the absenteeism rate is high while most of them hardly concentrate in school due to engagement in child labour. Absenteeism “The general school attendance and performance of the school is rated as fair, i blamed the general lack of concern by the parents over their children’s education” Head teacher Pumwani Nairobi

0

10

20

30

40

50

Per

cent

Res

pons

e

Missing Very serious Serious Moderatelyserious

Not serious

Degree of Seriousness

Degree of Absenteesm at School

Level of absenteeism in the school affects the degree of seriousness of these children with 45.6% not serious, 42.1% moderately serious, 8.8% serious and 1.8% very serious cases. “Absenteeism is a moderately serious problem in the school, as parents tend to involve the pupils with domestic chores alongside schoolwork” St Patrick’s Primary Kisumu According to most teachers, the reasons why the pupils absent themselves from school as listed below I always target their free time Environmental Factors Child labour and Parental negligence Disinterest and Family Problems No fees, Uniforms and personal effects Illness, Distance and care free parents Irresponsible and Ignorant parents Since Education is free and they are not being sent home for fees Absenteeism and taking care of home chores Pupils are engaged in activities like fishing & harvesting Orphaned kids have to fend for their siblings Pregnancy

Majority of the respondents said that pregnancy cases are not serious with a percentage of 71.9; 10.5% said that it



61

is moderately serious, 3.5% said it is serious, 5.3% had no comments and 1.8% thought it to be serious. Quote from a teacher concerning pregnancy

“Even though pregnancy is not a serious issue in Langas primary school, pupil involvement in commercial sex work poses a challenge to the school. Some pupils, mostly the female ones, are reported to be engaging in commercial sex. These children are spotted in and around entertainment joints and bars at night. In addition, the same students often have suspicious amounts of money whose sources they cannot explain.” Teacher Langas Primary School Eldoret

“Even though the rate of reported pregnancies in the institution is negligible, the involvement of the school’s pupils in commercial sex is disturbing” Kapsoya Primary School Eldoret

6.5.4. Children in commercial sex, their identification and challenges faced during counselling Are there any children involved in commercial sex work in your school? 68.4% of the teachers feel that there are no children involved in commercial sex work in their school, 24.6% of the respondents admitted while 5.3% had no comment and 1.8% was very sure that there are 4 pupils in the sex business. Identification They open up during counselling Are more vibrant and Conspicuous than others Some Feel free to discuss their experiences Reported by Colleagues, parents/guardians

Seen at Night clubs

Have money and use seductive lingo

Delinquent and badly behaved in school Truancy, seducing teachers, some are withdrawn Disrespectful and withdrawn Behave differently from others

Majority of the respondents had no comment at 56.1%, 14% said that cases are reported by colleagues, parents and guardian, 8.8% notice by the different behaviour of the pupils from others, the rest that constitute 1.8% each said that they can be identified as they appear more vibrant and conspicuous than others, some open up during counselling, some feel free to discuss their experiences, others are delinquent, badly behaved, disrespectful and withdrawn. Others have the courage to seduce teachers. Challenges faced when counselling such pupils 56.1% (32) had no comments , 8.8% are so shy embarrassed and don’t open up, 7% are withdrawn and don’t say the truth, 1.8% reported difficulties when convincing them to stop the practice while others are evasive, deviant and truants. Others at 1.8% drop out of school and are always absent once confronted. 3.5% of the parent always deny the situation of their children and view teachers to be against their children; the justification can be linked to the children’s contribution in the household from the proceeds. 1.8% said that some get annoyed or stressed when some issues are mentioned. 5.3% of the respondents reported denial of the practice while 1.8% were reported as rude and secretive with negative attitude towards counselling. While 3.5% stated that some of them are unwilling to change due to curiosity.



62

Teachers response to parents awareness

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Response

Per

cent R

esp

onde

nts

Parental awareness and reactions

52.6% of the

respondents had no idea, 35.1% said yes, some of the parents know about the children’s involvement in

commercial sex since they appreciate the

proceeds and do not question the children’s source of money. 5.3% had doubts about it and 3.5% know but do it in secrecy. Reasons for children turning to commercial sex work according to teachers

Reasons for Pupils resorting to Commercial Sex

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Reasons

Per

cent

Res

pond

ents

29.8% feel that poverty has led to children turning into commercial sex, 5.3% state that it is neglect and orphan hood at a young age, 3.5% attribute it to peer influence, 1.8% argue that it is due to domestic conflicts, poor upbringing, adventure, economic gain and parents pressure to supplement their meagre salary to sustain a source of livelihood. What are some of the reactions of their parents from your experience? 54.4% had no comments, 12.3% support and encourage the idea, 10.5% are defensive and suspect the teachers are against their children, 3.5% accuse teachers of meddling into their children’s lives, 3.5% are in denial and astounded and ask the school for assistance.1.8% appreciate the life skills and counselling done by teachers, others at 3.5% just complain of their children’s uncooperativeness and chase them away from home. The remaining 3.5% are in denial and do not want to comprehend the reality.



63

Has School been dealing with the problem?

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Response

Per

cent

Res

pond

ence

6.5.5. Schools response and mitigation measures towards commercial child sex How the school deals with the problem

Majority of the schools offer guidance and counselling at 26.3%, 7% call parents in school and talk to them, 5.3% counsel and follow- up on the child’s activities and

behaviours. Others at 1.8% approach the pupils, involve their parents and seek aid from the local administration. Others, according to the teachers are confronted with alcoholism, indecency and mental degradation.

6.5.6. Teachers perceptions and observations on pupils’ behaviour The teachers’ perception of pupils’ behaviour is depicted from the behavioural characteristics associated with children suspected of involvement in commercial sex as listed below. The behavioural problem associated with commercial sex Drug abuse, Peer pressure, No Counselling and Vile lingo Overly self-conscious and are withdrawn

Catching STD's, Pregnancies and Deviancy Easily lure others due to the money they have Child Labour and Rape Cases No Comment Operate in groups and withdrawn Rude and in disciplined

Absenteeism, withdrawn and disrespectful Care free attitude and delinquency Vulnerability to STIs and HIV/AIDS & curb poverty

Mischief and Misdemeanour Sleeping in class, Isolation and withdrawal

Majority of the respondents had no comments at 54.4% (31), 12.3% are constantly absent from school, withdrawn and disrespectful, 7% experience rudeness and in disciplined cases, 3.5% of the problems encountered are drug abuse, peer pressure; vulnerability to STIs and HIV/AIDS; sleeping in class, isolation and withdrawal. The other groups of respondents comprising of 1.8% face problems of early pregnancy and deficiency, luring others because



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Is Teacher-Pupil Sexual harassment a problem in your school?

Know of any cases previously successfully rehabilitated?

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of the money and they are full of mischief and misdemeanour. 3.5% (2) of the children sleep in class, are isolated and withdrawn while 5.3% had carefree attitude towards life; and others at 1.8% reported exposure to rape and child labour.

6.5.7. Teacher pupil/relations Teacher Pupil Sexual Harassment

The survey findings was informed by majority of the respondents at 80.8% have never experienced teacher- pupil sexual harassment in the schools, while 12.3% had and 7.3% had no comments. It emerged from the analysis that most teachers were non committal on issues that touched on their moral integrity therefore avoided such questions

How Schools handle problems of sexual harassment between teachers and pupils 84.2% of the respondents have no idea on what action to take in the event of such cases, 3.5% assist the pupils through counselling, 1.8% send the culprits for medical check up and discuss with the parents, another 1.8% suspend or disqualify teachers if found involved, others report to the administration to probe the issue and deals with it or counsel the children. There are also schools at 1.8% who have no male teachers while some of them at 1.8% hold meetings with the parents’ teacher association and summon the implicated teacher for disciplinary measures.

6.5.8 Cases of children who have been reintegrated back school/skills training programs after being in CSEC and coping strategies

22.8% of the respondents said that they know of cases of children who have been reintegrated back to school after withdrawal from commercial sex activities, 54.4% do not know and the rest have completely no idea.

Reintegration process Majority of the respondents 80.7% had no comments, 7% counsel and have follow up visits, 3.5% try to motivate and make the children feel loved, another 3.5% are made to appreciate a



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different kind of life through trainings in life skills, 1.8% are taken to children homes or probation homes run by the ministry of home affairs, others at 1.8% are monitored, supervised and encouraged while the rest of the 1.8% have been allowed to return to school after delivery to undertake their KCPE. Acceptance levels Majority of the teachers 80.7% had no comments, one of the respondents at 1.8% admitted that they are not easily accepted. 7% said it is a process that takes a lot of time, 3.5% argue that those with the will power are focused and have room for development; another 3.5% are not easily motivated; and 1.8% is in most instances isolated and feel stigmatized. Coping Strategies Some of the teachers 5.3% informed the survey that the children cope fairly well although at times they turn defensive and truant, 3.5% cope with time and adjust to the situation, 1.8% of most of the children either cope for sometime, are later influenced by their peers or accept the status and change completely, some feel the stigma is just very unbearable for them or they stay in groups and another 1.8% shows withdrawal signs and become aggressive. 80.7% were non committal in their response.

6.5.9. Opinion on what can be done to alleviate the problem of child commercial sex work

Frequency Percent Curb Child Labour 2 3.5 Increase rehab centres through government help 1 1.8 Through Guidance & Counselling 8 14.0 Proper upbringing of Children 1 1.8 Provide for them, take them to School and Counselling 1 1.8 Educate people on CSW and its Roots 4 7.0 Weekly Discussions on dangers if HIV/AIDS 1 1.8 Government should provide for Destitute in Society 1 1.8 Enforce Law On Child Offenders 1 1.8 Provide quality time with their kids and counselling 1 1.8

No Comments 14 24.6 Government should upgrade slums & provide loans 1 1.8 Eradicate Poverty and Create Jobs 1 1.8 Implement Compulsory Education Sys. & free informal training 1 1.8 Government intervention 2 3.5 Awareness and change of values 8 14.0 Economic improvement 5 8.8 Empower them with enterprising knowledge 3 5.3 Take them to Children’s' Home 1 1.8 Total 57 100.0

14% of the respondents feel that awareness and change of value can cub the problem of child commercial sex work; another 14% agree that guidance and counselling could save the situation, while 24.6% had no comments and 8.8% of the respondents suggested that economic improvement is the only escape route to children CSW, 5.3% thought that empowering them with enterprising knowledge would help keep them away from the business, 3.5% said that the only way out is to curb child labour, and the rest comprising of



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Do you deal w ith Children Commercial Sex?

61.5

30.8

7.7

Yes No Not Specif ically

1.8% each said that there is need of increased rehab centres through government help, weekly discussions on dangers of HIV/AIDS, government to provide for destitute in society, enforce law on child offenders, parents to provide quality time for their children; government to upgrade slums and provide loans, eradicate poverty and provide for jobs, implement compulsory education system and free informal training, and take them to children homes.

6.6 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT The government department interviewed comprised of several departments handling children’s issues 84.6% of the respondents were male while 15.4% female. They were the police department handling children in the child protection units, probation officers 1 and 2, children’s officers and social services officers. Other categories interviewed were the district labour officers of Kisumu, Nyeri and Nairobi including officers from ministry of education and health. The provincial administration and the local authorities were key informants especially the chiefs and their assistants who provided key information which determined the level entry points and also through community policing groups within the slums. Most of the respondents surveyed through questionnaires handled issues of children in commercial sex work. They had served for a years ranging from 2-29 years of service and this provided a wealth of experience to the study.

6.6.1. Respondents Handling Children’s issues 61.5% of the respondents admitted knowledge of children in commercial sex in their line of duty. The respondents’ line of work was distributed as follows: Maintenance of law and order 42%, arbitration, custody of the child and home visits 8%, social inquiry report and supervision of the offenders 14%, protection of children’s’ rights and in aid of marital disputes 8%, rehabilitation of juveniles and offenders 16% and following up cases in courts after police swoops 14%.

The survey results according to the government departments indicate a worrying presence of children involved in commercial sex work in the four towns. Most of those involved reside in the local slums and informal settlements. Some are as young as 12 years. The children are partially orphaned or from single/separated parents. Total orphans usually retreat to the rural setups. Kisumu labour officer cited peer influence, the media, idleness and school drop outs as the root cause of children engaging in CSEC. He cautioned that poverty as a root cause needs to be re-examined as a causality of commercial sex since some of the children are from middle and upper income households. Some of the children involved in commercial sex activities live with their parents, and some



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Common Gender of Child Commercial Sex Worker

even go to school in order to make the society believe their purity and innocence. A section of these children’s parents are aware of this and even facilitate the practice. Some of the children involved in commercial sex work are orphans and vulnerable children [OVC’S] who have been driven into the trade by poverty and having to fend for their younger siblings due to the death of parents. Peer influence, drugs, alcohol, and idleness drive children into commercial sex work. The ages of those involved in commercial sex trade according to records indicate the ages from 14yrs to 18yrs. But some children as young as 12 years are also recorded. According to a law enforcement officer in Eldoret:

“Children live off the streets of Eldoret town. Boys are street children and engage in pick pocketing while girls are involved in commercial sex work. They sleep in lodges, back street, packs bays and they have no source of income”

Some respondents in this category stated that poor parents do not mind sending their children to do commercial sex work. This is because they cannot afford to educate the children, and there is nowhere else where uneducated children can earn more than in sex trade. The respondents had the opinion that there is a breakdown of traditional values and norms while some parents acknowledge the proceeds and do want their daughters married due to fear of loosing the income. According to their observations, the female gender is most prevalent in the trade in all the

study towns the male gender is prevalent in Nyeri and Nairobi due sex tourism and the cosmopolitan characteristics of these towns. Families dwelling in the slums are under deplorable conditions and in abject poverty. This explains partly why these children’s involvement in the practice is poverty driven. Unemployment is a major challenge here and income is often hand to

mouth. It is therefore the norm to involve the local children in various income-generating activities to subsidize their families’ earnings. The children end up being engaged as maids, cleaners, scavengers, guards, hawkers, and tea girls among other employments and at minimum wage. The children also end up being involved wholly in commercial sex work or alongside the previously mentioned employments. Earnings from commercial sex work contribute to household incomes and some of these children even buy household items and feed their families

6.6.2. Identification of Children in Commercial Sex They are identified from age, police swoops and patrols in specific locations, their physique, behavioural patterns, dressing styles, stipulation in charge sheets and self disclosures. Frequency Percent

Stipulation on the Charge Sheet, Occupation & Self-Disclosure

1 7.7

Age Group after Swoops they admit their intentions 1 7.7 Dress mode & Approach to things 1 7.7 Police Patrols a Specific Area 1 7.7 Open up during Interviews with Police 1 7.7



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Assess through Social Inquiry 1 7.7 Overdone Faces, Harangue Visages, Unabashed Gazes &Vile

Lingo 1 7.7

Behaviour Patterns 1 7.7 Places they hang out & Mode of Lifestyle 1 7.7 Are more timid and their physique can at times tell 1 7.7 No Comment 2 15.4 Interviews & Court Referrals 1 7.7 Total 13 100.0

According to the respondents, those who engage children in commercial sex are grown up and old rich men 23.1%; Matatu and truck drivers 7.7%; tourists 15.4%; Asians7.7%; curio dealers and tour guides double as pimps and clients 23.1%. the rest 7.7% informed that the clients cut across all backgrounds.

6.6.3. Cases of commercial sex encountered From the survey the respondents revealed that they encounter 1-2 children in commercial sex daily making 76.9%, between 4 -6 weekly making 69.2% and 5-10 monthly making it 40.8%. The prevalence indicates that there is an increase of children in the trade. The tendency is that after police swoops these children disappear for two days then reappear. Moreover whenever they are taken to courts they are fined minimal amounts which they are able to raise in a short while. Kisumu Municipal Education Officer had this to say: “They exist and most of them are orphaned and lack moral upbringing. This behaviour is very common in tertiary institutions. Poverty affects children in primary school hence children may resort to commercial sex. Guardians and other people may not be aware and these children take advantage of the ignorance of their guardians. They do it for economic gain and live from hand to mouth. Some children as young as 12 y have been noted”.

6.6.4. Problems/hazards that the Commercial Sex Worker experiences

Frequency Percent Abuse from relatives and Exposure to HIV?AIDS 1 7.7 Exploitation, Abuse, Unjust Police swoops and STIs 1 7.7 No Comment 3 23.1 STIs, No Parental Control, Harassment & Low Self Esteem 3 23.1

Locked in jail, Assault from Clients and Harassment 1 7.7 Broken families, Peer Pressure and Defiance 1 7.7 Police Harassment, Diseases and lack of Amenities 3 23.1 Total 13 100.0

The problems and hazards experienced by CSWs according to the respondents in this category are: sexual and physical abuse from relatives and parents; exploitation by clients; exposure to STI and HIV; harassment; lack of amenities; and unjust police arrests. Informants from both the district and provincial hospitals said that they do not handle sex workers directly but receive them as patients in post abortion complication STIs and STDs and also as



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rape victims. According to them, the children never reveal their identity or social activity until further probed during counselling despite the various hazards they are exposed to. The Matron Nyeri Provincial Hospital added: “….these children are around 17-18years, they come to deliver and at times have STDs. When we question them we realize that the baby was conceived through commercial sex and they have ran away and live in the slums….” Some of these children contract HIV/Aids at a very young age since they do not use condoms and are not knowledgeable on the dangers of the pandemic. According to UNICEF (2000) survey many male adults seek out young girls for sex or marriage in the mistaken belief that they are free from HIV and easy to please and control. This is a realization on the dangers and the health hazards the children are exposed making it WFCL.

6.6.5. Challenges encountered when handling children engaged in commercial sex

Frequency Percent No Comment 3 23.1 Counsel to Curb Behaviour & Take them to School 1 7.7 Unwillingness to cooperate by victims & Poor Social Network 2 15.4 Insincerity on the Victims Part 1 7.7 Deny Identifying the Exploiters due to Stigma 1 7.7 Poor Education &Parental Co-operation 1 7.7

Difficult to Change teenagers through Counselling & Denial 2 15.4 Are Violent & Abusive, See us as Obstacles 1 7.7 Pose a big Challenge to The Government & it is a Shame 1 7.7 Total 13 100.0

The challenges they are confronted with when dealing with children in commercial sex include: insincerity, denial, not cooperative and unwilling to reform, lack of parental cooperation, adolescence woos, indiscipline violent and abusive.

6.6.6. Other forms of exploitation children in Commercial Sex Work experience

Forms of exploitation Frequency Percent School Drop Outs, Unpaid Services, HIV/AIDS, Rape & Trauma 4 30.8 Harassment, Assault, Pregnancies, Abortion & Death 2 15.4 Used as Spies for potential Robbers & Agents for Home Feuds 1 7.7 Child Labour 1 7.7 Child and Drug Tracking 1 7.7 Financial Exploitation & Abuse 3 23.1 Tainted Dignity, Poor pay & Overworking 1 7.7 Total 13 100.0

The forms of exploitation the children in commercial sex are exposed: 15.4% view pregnancies abortions and death as the main hazards, 7.7% especially the police officers



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reported that these children are used as spies for potential robbers and in child and drug trafficking respectively. 30.8% noted poor pay or unpaid services, rape HIV contraction as severe exploitation, 23.1% are sexually abused and financially exploited while 7.7% talked of tainted image and stigmatization.

6.6.7 Recommendations for addressing this problem Sexual Offences Bill be Amended and be followed

Vigilant Child Workers, Ban Job Bureaus Awareness Campaigns, Social Welfare Programmes & Strict laws Counselling, Ban Kids from spots like Bars & Pubs Eradicate Poverty

Collective Centres for Disadvantaged Girls

Instil moral values at home & School., Extend free Education to secondary schools

Most of the respondents recommended ways of curbing the vice: 30.8% called for amendment and operationalization of Sexual Offences Act; 23.1% advocated sensitization and awareness creation on the ills of the vice especially to the parents, the community and children in order to control the trend; 15.4% called for reinforcement of traditional roles of parents/community to instil morals; Others reported that if free primary education can be extended to secondary school at least some of the children will pursue education making them more informed and avoid commercial sex trade; 7.7% suggested setting up collective centre for disadvantaged girls and introduction of social welfare programmes in addition to guidance and counselling. The Ministry of Social services should facilitate the building of recreation facilities in the slum areas. Capacity building and training should be encouraged to empower the people with skills that would help them navigate through the challenges posed by poverty., introduce training programmes which will help them to start income generating projects government have a policy in place to curb this practice e.g. they ensure children go to school through free primary education

6.7 EMPLOYERS

6.7.1 Introduction The study reached a total of 48 employers in various types of businesses and activities within the four survey towns. It is worth mentioning that these employers engage very young children in operating their business and pay them very low wages. Some of the children work under very poor conditions especially in the coffee farms where they are paid 40 shillings per debe (20 Kg Tin) and in the quarries they are paid 50cts per wheel barrow of gravel, stones and sand carried. Small children engaged in the food kiosks, peel potatoes, wash plates and they are hardly given food apart from the remains left by customers. The children suffer from psychological trauma, sexual abuse, mistreatments from supervisors and bosses; and long hours of work. They are further exposed to hazards from electric shocks and inhalation of chemicals in addition to cuts from knives, broken glass and plates. In addition, some get burnt fingers from cooking and fires.



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The profile of most of these children is fear and withdrawal since they are not privileged with love and care, most are from single parented homes or orphaned and have family responsibilities to attend to. The survey findings exposed the poor wages paid to the adult workers, these wages are inconsistent with the required ones, and are at times based on the season. While those paid on commissions only earn after the employers have deducted costs of operation, principally there is hardly an income. In addition to threats of being sacked, some of the workers have been casuals for many years ranging from 1 to 8 and are not permanent employees. The mature workers especially in the entertainment industry are victims of police raids at night, rape, robbery and are easily lured into drug trafficking because of low pay. Further, there are others who act as pimps and are paid commission by the commercial sex workers based on the number of clients accessed. From the survey, the age brackets of those employees range from 13yrs to 18 yrs, 19yrs to 25 yrs and over 26yrs. The working terms of employment are temporary, commission, casuals and permanent. The monetary payments vary from the casuals getting 1200/=, moderately paid earn 1600/= and the highest paid get 2000/=. The permanent least paid casuals get 1800/=, moderately paid 2500/= and the highest paid 3000/=. These employees work from 6.30am up to between 3.00pm to 1.00am depending on the completion of the job. Most employers provide moderate health facilities and majority at 34 respondents do not have an HIV /Aids policy in place with only 14 having one in place. The employees are exposed to hazards that include: rape, sexual harassment, cuts and burns, gas leakage, drug abuse, electric shocks, seduction by clients, police raids, chemical explosions, poor salary or non payment for services rendered, arrogant language, snake bites and fire. Some employees were provided with the following protection; guidance and counselling, employing bouncers, provision of protective clothing, training of employees, provision of first Aid Kit, provision of transport, have meetings to discuss viable solutions, get them hospitalized, linked with private security firms and government security to provide escort, installation of fire extinguishers. Other extreme measures some of the employers have put in place include refusing to employ female workers, forced HIV testing and deduction from salaries for loses incurred.

6:7:2. Employers profiles, duration of business and gender distribution Profiles of Employers The employers business was randomly selected based on the Key Informants interviews where the children work and commercial sex workers’ regular locations. Majority of those were 11 pubs and restaurants at 22.9%, in addition to 6 saloons selected based on characteristics of employees and the customers. Other categories are 6 hotels and food canteens; the justification was the children washing plates, cutting onions and peeling potatoes at the back while the commercial sex workers are with the patrons at the front. The survey was able to establish the nature and characteristics of employment conditions from various types of employers. Most of the employers reached were engaged in hospitality and entertainment industry, sale of second hand clothes, salon, barber shops, tailoring, sale of food stuff, community phone operators, own schools, supervisors and cashiers. Their employees are 70.8% females and



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62.5% males. The following graphs indicate duration and year the business commenced. The duration of the business

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Most of the respondents interviewed had been in business for a period of 2 to 40 years; the employers were randomly selected based on their business activities, links with commercial sex and child labour. A total of 48 different employers were interviewed ranging from the hospitality and entertainment industry, eating joints, tailoring shops, salons, bars, lodges and other community based small scale business that include pulling hand carts, selling water and operating community phones. Their duration of service was significant to the study, based on their experience and from their observations they stated that in the last 5 years there has been a significant increase of children as commercial sex workers which was not the case before. Number of Employees

No. of Employees in Firm by Gender

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The number of employees within each firm varies as per the size of the business and this range from 1 – 20. There are more female employees than male ones with the rationale behind this being their faithfulness and better approach towards clients than the male counterparts. Further, some employers sexually abuse the workers and exploit them but females do not complain and are more humble. Age Bracket of Employees Based on Gender Distribution and Employers Response



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The study revealed that some of the employers engage children in particular within the food kiosks and cafes as dish washers and potato peelers. Out of the employers interviewed, the statistical inferences indicate that 12 employers hire females aged below 18 years while 11 employers engage males below 18 years. This is a clear indication that child labour and exploitation of children is still rampant.

6.7.3. Employment Terms and conditions of work Most of the employers engaged their workers on either casual or permanent basis, which was dependent on the size of the business, the seasonality and age of the business; others employed their workers on commission especially those who sell water and second hand clothes. How do you employ workers? Frequency Percent On Commission 3 6.3 Season Casual 3 6.3 Casual 11 22.9 Permanent 9 18.8 Both 22 45.8 Total 48 100.0

Casual workers range from 1-20 depending on the employers needs; most were seasonal employees that the management did not want to disclose as casuals. The number of workers who were casuals also vary from the kind of work done and if it is non skilled there are more casuals than when the labour is skilled. Others had been casuals for over 10 years but due to their submissiveness and unemployment they stay and work. Permanent Workers Permanent Workers were mainly found within established business or firms which had a long history of over 5 years. These included the schools, beer and soda distribution; and in some pubs and restaurants. Majority of the permanent workers had worked for a duration of 1-5 years, were skilled employees and in businesses that had been there for 5-8 years. Concurrently the other permanent workers had been in employment from 16 to over 20 years in the well established businesses. Salaries and Wages Paid Salaries paid to casuals range from 100 – 1200 shillings while others who have been casuals for long are paid from 1500 shillings. The wages are either paid daily or monthly and the

Age Females � 10 2 � 11-12 4 � 13 - 18 yrs 6 � 19 - 25 yrs 19 � 26 and above 17

Age bracket male 10 4 11-12 4 13 - 18 yrs 3 19 - 25 yrs 18 26 and above 19



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least paid ranges from 50 – 100 shillings daily while the moderately paid range from 80 – 100 shillings while the highest paid casual earns between 100- 500 shillings daily. Other wages are paid per month and the least paid casual earns between 1200 to 4000 shillings and the moderately paid casual earns a monthly wage of 1600 shillings up to 6000 shillings. The highly paid casual earns a salary ranging between 2000 to 8000 shillings. Others are only paid based on 10% of the commissions from proceeds honoured. Casuals Wages

In a nutshell most of the wages paid by the employers are below the state recommendation, while some of the businesses hardly generate profits and have owners as managers. Some of the workers have also been casuals for long duration but due to unemployment they accept meagre earnings. Permanent Wages

Least 100 1200 1500 150daily 2,800.00 2000 20daily 2100 2500 2900 3,000.00 3,400.00 3000 4000 50daily 75daily Paid 10% commission

Moderate 100daily 1600 2000 200daily 2200 2500 2800 3,000.00 3,500.00 300 daily 3000 3500 4200 6000 80daily 90daily Paid 10% Commission

Highly 100daily 2000 2400 2500 3000 3500 4,000.00 4,900.00 4000 4300 500 5000 600daily 60daily 7,000.00 8000 Paid 10%



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The survey findings revealed that the wages for least paid permanent workers range from 50-75 shillings daily, 300 shillings weekly and between 1800 to 8,000 shillings per month. While the moderately paid permanent worker earns180 shillings daily and a monthly wage ranging from 1000 to 8000 shillings. The highly paid permanent workers earn a daily wage of 100 -120 shillings daily, 560 shillings weekly and monthly salary ranging from 1000 – 8000 shillings. Further there are some employers who pay their workers at the rate of 10% of the commission of net profit. When do workers start working in the morning? From the study findings majority of the employees start working from 6.30 am to 7.30 am others work from 1 pm to midnight with the shifts varying from the type and characteristics of business and the seasonality of activities. However, most of the employers at 22.9% stated that their employees start working at 8.00 am When do workers stop working in the evening? Most of the respondents informed the researchers that their employees usually stop work from 3:00pm to 6.00am with the justification that in the hospitality and entertainment industry most of the employees work in shifts of eight hours each. There are some employees who only stop working after the given task is completed to the employer’s satisfaction.

6.7.4. Provision of Health facilities to employees

Most of the respondents at 46% do not provide health facilities to the employees; the survey revealed that the size of their business is small and unequipped. There is a category of employers who do not prioritize provision of health care while the last category is ignorant. 42% of the

employers provide medical facilities which are very basic, but in instances of emergency the

Least 1800 2,000.00 2,500.00 2000 2800 2900 3000 300wkly 3500 4,900.00 4000 4500 50daily 6,000.00 6000 75daily 8000 Paid 10% Com

Moderate 180daily 1000. 2,500. 2200 2500 25000 3,000 3200 3500 4000 4800 5000 6,000.00 6000 8000 Paid 10% Com

Highest 1000 100daily 120daily 20000.00 3,000.00 3000 3200 3500 4000 4100 5000 5500 560wkly 6000 7,000.00 8000 Paid 10% Com



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employees are taken them to public hospitals. HIV/AIDS Programme at work

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Most of the respondents at 71% do not have a workplace HIV/Aids programme; the survey revealed that some of the employers refer their employees to public hospitals and VCT centres. While 17% have an existing HIV/Aids programme that include training employees on the dangers of the disease, awareness creation on condom use and HIV/Aids prevention. Other employees were non committal with the justification that HIV/Aids should not be discussed and is a curse.

6.7.5. Hazards employees are exposed to and mitigation measures

The study revealed that most of the hazards the employees are exposed to include psycho social, economic and physical injuries. How do you protect your employees against workplace hazards? Most of the employers have put in place wide-ranging measures to protect their employees in their premises as listed below:

Psycho-Social Sexual harassment, Arrogant Language by Customers Lured into Drugs, Sex and vile temptations Rape trauma Irresponsibility of employee Drinking and Unfaithfulness and irresponsibility CSW harassment Employees being married off by some clients Being seduced by clients

Economic Delayed wages, Non-payment of bills deductions from employee salary

Physical Attacks by thieves/robbers Violent clients Arrest by police & city council, Injury from broken Glasses Plates Raped by thugs Chemicals Electric shock Snake bite Cuts from Sliding Glass/ Sharp blades Fire and Oil burns Gas leakage Injury from Petroleum trucks



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CHAPTER SEVEN: DATA ANAYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS

� Guidance and Counselling � Provision of First Aid Kits, Gloves, Gumboots and Fire Extinguishers � Discussing the issue and finding a viable solution � Take them to hospital for medical check up � Avoid female waiters � Keep them occupied � Provide Security by the local administration and at the Gate � Deducting the bill equitably from their wage � Get them tested every fortnight � Create awareness on HIV/AIDS and Condom use � Construction of a drainage system � Advice them to be more careful � Bouncers to handle Security � Offer guidance and counselling � Free Counselling and Testing Programmes Transport � Listening to their problems and taking necessary action � Use Gloves and Common Sense � Training on dangers of HIV/AIDS � Removing the staff on cash bail � Giving strict roles and meetings to discuss work ethics



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The data was analyzed using various modes of analysis of univariate which described the statistical frequencies of respondents and the bivariate which cross tabulated various factors to determine the root cause of CSEC. The findings have pointed out the correlation of some factors to establish the nature and extent of children in commercial sex work.

7.1 Children School Drop Out Reasons why children left school A cross tabulation was carried out between parents occupations and the reasons why the respondents chose commercial sex. The survey indicated the reasons why children dropped out of school is varied, of those whose parents are employed 20% of the respondents reported lack of school fees and chose commercial sex work as an alternative source of income to support family. 20% also reported peer influence; 40% reported getting pregnant and being forced to leave school and opted to engage in commercial sex to support the child; while 20% reported they left school since they were orphans engaged in commercial sex for survival. Respondents whose parents were farmers reported the reasons why they dropped out of school as parent’s death 11.1% out of which 25% of the respondents engaged in commercial sex because of easy money. 22.2% of the respondents reported they did not like school but 50% of them engaged in commercial sex because of easy money. 55.6% of the respondents dropped out of school since they had no money for school fees, they admitted involvement in commercial sex because of good clothes and money as an alternative source of income while 1 respondent is not a commercial sex worker. 11.1% of the respondents’ were not performing well in school and stated that they joined commercial sex to get easy money. The respondents whose parents were engaged in business reported that they dropped out of school due to peer influence 15.8% out of this 20% joined commercial sex work because of good clothes 50% for easy money while 11.1% engaged in commercial sex to the support family. 52.6% reported lack of money for fees out of which 55.6% chose commercial sex as a source of income to support family while one respondent stated she is not a commercial sex worker and the rest chose commercial sex for good clothes and easy money. 15.8% of the respondents in this category reported poverty as reasons for dropping out of school but only 33.3% chose commercial sex to support family income. Other respondents at 5.3% reported disobedience and fighting in school as the reason for dropping out of school out of which 50% are not engaged in commercial sex. Those who dropped out of school due to pregnancy were 10.5% and only 40% chose commercial sex. It emerged from respondents whose parents are unemployed that the reasons they dropped out of school include 14.3% who reported lack of interest 50% of them chose commercial sex for good clothes, 28.6% had no money for school fees 33.3% of them chose commercial sex as an alternative source of income to supplement family income. While 14.3% reported poverty as a reason for dropping out of school 33.3% of these category chose commercial as an alternative source of income and 42.9% reported pregnancy out of which 50% chose commercial sex for easy money while 33.3% chose it as alternative source of income to support family. Of children whose parents were casual workers the reasons why they dropped out of school



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was lack of school fees and chose commercial sex as a source of income to support family. 7:2. Teacher/Counsellor Perception Absenteeism and Attendance The survey findings indicated that among the respondents whose attendance level was very good, absenteeism is not serious; those whose attendance level is good at 7.4% reported that absenteeism is serious, 33.3% reported it as moderately serious while 55.6% reported as not serious. Where the attendance level was fair 15% reported absenteeism as serious, 65% moderately serious while 20% was serious. Performance and attendance The survey revealed that where performance is very good the attendance level is 100% but where it is good the attendance level is 29.6%. Where performance level is fair, 70.4% of the teachers reported the attendance level as good, 85% reported it as fair while 50% reported attendance as poor. Whereas the performance level is poor, 15% of the respondents reported fair attendance while 50% of the respondents reported it as very poor. Performance and absenteeism Where performance is good the respondents reported that 4.2% absenteeism as moderately serious while 53.8% reported that absenteeism is not serious. Where performance is fair the 80% teachers reported absenteeism is serious while 87.5% reported that it was moderately serious while 46.2% reported absenteeism as not serious. Observation on sex workers From the survey teachers and counsellors admitted the involvement of children in commercial sex; 7.1% learnt of child sex workers in school from counselling; 7.1% said that the girls freely gave the information; 28.6% got the information from guardians and school reports; 7.1% reported the children are seen in night clubs; 33.3% identify them from seductive language use and lavish spending. 7:3. Working conditions of children in commercial sex A cross tabulation to establish work hour of children in fulltime commercial sex work indicated that 25% of respondents who live with their mothers do not return home at night. 16.7% live with both parents but do not return at night. 33.3% who live with friends do not return at night, those who live with fathers return after midnight. It emerged from the survey findings that 8.3% of the respondents live with their husbands and don’t return home meaning their husbands are aware of their involvement and receive part of the returns. 7:4. Aspirations in Life 44.4% (8) of the respondents who want to quit the practice for further education felt that commercial sex work interferes with their future life. 44.1% (15) did not want to go back to school neither were they willing to quit. 55.6% (18) informed the survey that the practice has not interfered with their life. 55.9% (34) said , some of them fear being infected with HIV/AIDS already and see no future in education.



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CHAPTER EIGHT

SECTORAL INTERVENTIONS AND INITIATIVES

8.1 GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES The government has put in place intervention and mitigation strategies that include:

a) The district child labour communities (DCLC) were put in place to work together with child minded organizations and stakeholders to monitor and identify issues concerning child labour.

b) The ministry of home affairs has also started projects targeting the orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in specific towns that look into their education,



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feeding and teaching them life skills c) Children department activities of visiting schools and holding stakeholder forums

to discuss children rights. d) The probation department works on the rehabilitation and re-integration of these

children. e) Police department has set up child protection unit whose objectives include

vigilance, guidance and counselling of such children. f) Social services department have developed programmes that attempt to re-

integrate children with their communities. g) Education department has been trying to ensure that all the children go to school

since there is FPE. Despite government intervention measurements put in place, its mitigations on CSEC is inadequate due to minimal financial allocations, lack trained personnel to work in the area of CSEC resulting into poor support services especially in guidance and counselling of these victims; and the re-integration and rehabilitation. Much as human resource is limited, the numbers of orphans are also increasing due to HIV/Aids scourge. It is imperative for the government to re-enforce laws and stringent punitive measures that can protect children from sexual abuse and exploitations by the perpetrators. They should re-examine their linkage and networks with civil society handling children issues since the survey highlighted lack of harmonization leading to duplication and over concentration of efforts.

8:2. COMMUNITY INITIATIVES The community These were identified from the respondents’ views, gleaned from the focus group discussion and the interviews. Listed here below are the current initiatives the respondents’ are aware of:

a) They educate children who are needy after they have done a thorough investigation that the child is needy and interested.

b) The death rate of these girls is very high due to committing suicide and others when procuring abortions.

c) For the children/people that they are unable to counsel they usually refer them to “Family Health Option - friends of the youth” for counselling.

d) Shauri Yako has an extension scouting programmes which is for those who are above 13 years and it is usually on Saturdays.

e) Family Health Options Kenya – Nyeri f) 18 -24 yrs old – counsel them on drugs/relationships, abstinences, decision

making and HIV/AIDS. g) They usually get children from schools, churches and parents for counselling. h) They usually deal with children who are below 18 years old. i) Those who are sexually abused are mostly abused by parents. j) The main cause is separation or death of parents.

The community initiatives noted from the survey point out that guidance and counselling, education and networking of institutions as mitigation mechanisms in place. However this is in a small scale and not in all communities; it needs to be enhanced and focused specifically to CSEC. The rationale is unless guided; children will soon be infected with HIV/Aids and have unwanted babies. The community should revisit their traditional role of controlling bad behaviour in order to curb the vice.



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The Civil Society The civil society survey that deal with children issues and were more active in issues concerning commercial sex exploitation of children, indicated the activities they had done on the ground and the challenges faced. However the gap that needs to be revisited is harmonization of their activities and building networks so that they can share their best practices and success in curbing CSEC.

RED-CROSS SOCIETY OF KENYA CHILDRENS’ HOME

a) Its main objective is to help children in need of care and protection. b) Children are between 5 and 19 years. c) They are brought here through the children’s department. d) It is supported by Red Cross and well wishers. e) Some parents bring men for their daughter in their houses. f) Some children in the home were sexually abused by their fathers and uncles. g) Those children now perform well after they were counselled. They feel secure

here than at their homes. h) Parents at times encourage children to be involved in CSW because at times

parents expect or give children target of the money they should bring home. Hence they end up being involved in commercial sex work so as to reach the target.

KENWA In KENWA they undertake counselling for children and they support them to learn in case they come from poor families within Nyeri district. a) They used to give them money to start income generating projects but they

realized that some misuse money and hence decided to educate the children instead.

b) Most people in KENWA are CSW but they usually change after counselling. c) They feed orphans around the locality who usually come everyday for lunch. d) Most children in this place have gone through trauma because they have been

mistreated by parents. e) This organization wants to reduce the number of CSW. They will implement this

by first educating children. f) They have a feeding programme where they provide children with lunch every

day. g) They counsel young girls who are involved in CSW. h) Most children who are CSW’s pretend to be street children during the day and

then they sniff glue but in the evening they shower, dress smartly and then proceed to town where they practice CSW.

THUNGUMA REHABILITATION CENTRE NYERI a) Its main objective is to change the street children into better citizens i.e. to have a

better life in future like any other Kenyan. b) Most children are between 5 yrs to 18yrs and a few between 19yrs and 20yrs. c) They have three phases (levels)

a. Vocational Department e.g. tailoring. b. Primary Department c. Rehabilitation Centre



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d) Students in the centre attend other schools but once they get their own teachers the children will learn from there.

HOVIC KISUMU 1. Its main objective is to help street children in need of care and protection. 2. Most of the children are aged between 5 and 18 years. 3. They rehabilitate street children and identify vocational trainings that

they are trained to do such as mechanics and carpentry for boys; and saloon and tailoring for girls.

4. They rehabilitate children in commercial sex who are double faced street children at day time and commercial sex workers at night

SALEM KISUMU

1. Children rehabilitation centre handling abused and vulnerable children. 2. They conduct psycho social analysis of the children’s background 3. They provide education conventionally and vocationally. 4. Guide and counsel ex children engaged in commercial sex work.

KASH KISUMU

a) Established in 2003 in Kisumu. b) Dealing with vulnerable women aged between 12-40years. c) Dealing approximately with 300 commercial sex workers. d) Mobilize CSWs in Kisumu into organized units. e) Establishes and sustains a peer system amongst them. f) Provide HIV/Aids services including condom distributions and IEC

materials. g) Provides CSWs with referrals to Hospital and private clinics for treatments

and legal services. h) Continuous improvement and capacity building of leaders of CSWs. i) Enjoining gate keepers to support CSWs projects programmes for better

results. j) Networking with family planning Kenya in Pambazuuko project that

supports the reproductive health rights for vulnerable women. k) Lobbying government officials especially the police administration to

accommodate CSW circumstances during patrols and other police work in order for the police to respect the rights of CSWs.

ELDORET Kipkeino Children’s home and Rescue centre in Eldoret have come up with projects that rescue children especially the OVC, rehabilitate them, provide them with life skills in training to be productive and focused within the society. They attempt to advocate for their rights and assist them to be re-integrated and accepted back in the community. NAIROBI Mukuru young women progressive group and Inuka CBO in Embakasi, Mukuru community Centre and Kawangware empowerment group are CBOs in Nairobi that handle children issues especially commercial exploitation of children. These organizations informed the surveys of the myriad problems and hazards the children are faced with especially in CSEC. They described various intervention and mechanisms in place with minimal achievements.



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Although several organizations have been formed with various objectives and projects to handle children issues, they are donor dependent and communally owned. Despite the government having a legal framework in place to monitor their activities, they lack harmonization and do not have a common stand on issues concerning CSEC. While others view child labour, parental deaths and poverty as the root cause. If their success stories and activities are scrutinized the ILO-IPEC needs to identify CSEC issues and WFCL and facilitate mitigation strategies to have a holistic approach towards curbing CSEC.



8.3 COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS AND STRATEGIC LINKAGES ID ENTIFIED AND ROLES TO BE PLAYED

GOVERNMENT Departments � Education � Police – C.P.U � Probation � Children � Health � Agriculture � Judiciary � Labour & Human

-Resource � -Provincial

Administration � -Civic Authorities

Organizations � NGO’s in the 4

towns � Business

Organizations � Jua Kali

Association � ILO � NACADA.

ACTIVITY 1. Keeping Vigilant

� Age of employment � Conditions of work � Children School

dropout � Absenteeism � Behavioural Activities � Exploitation/Abuse of

Children � Time of Activities

2 Referrals by stakeholders of behaviour change. 3. Rehabilitation homes (Truants, deviants & drug addicts) 4. Re-integration activities 5. Community Policing (Security Safety). 6. Identification of children engaged in Sex 7. Support in guidance & Counseling

COMMUNITY

� Community-based Organizations

� Community schools.

� Religious groups & centres

� Parents � Youth Groups � Parents � Elders � Community

Social Network

� Beach Management Committees

� Farmers



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CHAPTER NINE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE STRATEGY

9.1. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Child labour and its attendant ills are rampant in Kenya as exposed by the baseline survey on factors, nature and extent of commercial sex exploitation of children. ILO-IPEC through a consultant team carried out a survey in four major towns of Nairobi, Nyeri, Kisumu and Eldoret. The survey assessed through qualitative and quantitative means the magnitude of CSEC in the selected towns. The survey drew upon 327 respondents children in fulltime commercial sex, children school drop outs, parents, guardians, teachers, government departments handling children issues, employers, the local community and community based organizations, and NGOs and utilized both primary and secondary sources of data collection. This report has presented findings that indicate an increase in children involvement in commercial sex work as a vice with distinct appalling effects. It has demonstrated that majority are girls with few boys aged between 11-18 years, majority are between 14-17years. These children are sexually abused and exploited at the workplace, at home, the community and brothels. It emerged from the survey that core factors influencing children to engage in CSW are family responsibilities and poverty, this was exhibited by the intensity of child labour to supplement household income, school drop outs due to lack of school fees/levies, minimal parental provision of clothes and other basic needs, unemployment and underprivileged backgrounds pertaining in slums and shanties. Others factors noted was death of parents leaving orphans at the mercy of relatives or fellow siblings who need both care and guidance. Children are forced to find alternative means to cater for their livelihoods due to low income, minimal skill and minimal education that cannot prepare them for better employment. Indeed commercial sex work does not demand education and is easy to learn and the lure for easy money is great temptation for these young minds. The sense of adventure is amongst many motivating aspects for the young children to engage in commercial sex trade. The findings reported peer influence and broken families effects on children as a sign that traditional morals have broken down, a sign that society is no longer responsible or concerned with children’s behaviour, activities or wellbeing. The survey examined the socio-economic backgrounds and worst forms of exploitation the children were exposed to: those from very poor families; orphans; those from broken homes; those living in deplorable conditions from informal settlements; those with sick and bed-ridden parents. Children from such backgrounds are sexually and physically (harassment) abused by relatives and adults in their immediate environment. They are sexually (rape and under age sex) engaged to clients by both relatives and friends; this fact was proved by a number of respondents who had undergone the ordeal. Psychologically, the children are forced to become deviants and immoral since they lack direction and have no ambition in life. This exploitation is verified by forms of child labour emerging from the study findings where children are forced out of school to go to harvest in farms or to fish. The children are given high monetary targets to bring home and forced into sex with multiple partners to get their parents money. In this way, the children are exposed to STDs and HIV and physical



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development of the body is impaired. Some children are made to sell drugs for clients and even act as spies for robbers and gangsters. These children are driven into commercial sex in order to avoid sleeping on hungry stomachs, and to get the very basic needs both for themselves and their siblings. Poverty stricken families also send their children to towns to look for employment but due to illiteracy they cannot secure well paying jobs since they lack bargaining power which leads to involvement in commercial sex and exploitation.

The report presentations on households indicated a number of parents to be encouraging the practice since they are beneficiaries of the proceeds and argue that their daughters can only get husbands and take care of their children from commercial sex work. This signifies CSEC income as part of household contribution and parents and relatives as the initiators. This is because very few parents restrain their children from the practice. The report described how children commercial sex workers are usually identified through behavioural characteristics and features; the school going children in commercial sex trade are exceptionally truants, deviants, unruly and in many cases isolated and withdrawn. The findings revealed that some school children candidly open up during guidance and counselling and others are spotted in night spots or arrested during police swoops. Others use seductive language on teachers and friends they perceive as potential clients. Those who seduce teachers are older girls (15-17 years) who are back to school because of free primary education and were already in the commercial sex work; this is an indication of leading double lives and luring the younger ones into the trade. The police are able to establish children in commercial sex by means of swoops, interrogations, or as stipulated on the charge sheet, mode of dressing and through social inquiry. Teachers and government officials expressed concern that whenever they arrest school children involved in commercial sex trade, their parents are quick to deny and further accuse teachers of hatred towards their children. This is especially so when the parents are involved in luring their children into commercial sex trade. On the other hands, parents not complicated in their children’s trade show concern and cooperate with teachers in seeking to rehabilitate the children. The report exemplified the positive role of some parents once they find out about their children commercial sex involvement they report to the school administration for help even though, some encourage it as it is a source of income. The employers in the entertainment industry noted with alarm the increasing numbers of CSWs. They noted with concern the levels of aggression the children are showing in getting clients. They consider the rising trend of lacing drinks a disaster waiting to explode since many lives have been lost in the hands of some of these children, leading to their arrests and subsequent imprisonment. The survey revealed that some of the employers exploit children by underpaying them and using them to get patrons in the bars and restaurants. Although they try to restrict the age to mature CSWs, the success is minimal because hotel/bar workers, cashiers and bouncers are the pimps who get commissions from CSEC proceeds. The impact of CSEC in academic performance is deplorable. The survey reported high rates of absenteeism and non attendance of class as having negative effects on performance. While school going children are engaged in child labour for domestic and supplementing household incomes, teachers reported that they are unusually tired and sleepy hence cannot perform well. The children who lead double lives are in far worse position since concentration and performance is compromised. The interviews and discussions revealed the migratory patterns of commercial sex workers as



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influenced by festivities, transit points, days of the week and month end. In Nyeri and Eldoret their migratory patterns are influenced by harvesting seasons and when bonus payments are made to farmers. Although commercial sex work is known in Kenya it is highly stigmatized and some of the respondents feared revealing some information on the questionnaires. Profiling commercial sex workers from the four study towns indicated similarities of activities and behaviour. The survey exposed that commercial sex activities pose serious challenges to both the perpetrators, victims and the community at large. The most outstanding challenge according to the survey is insecurity and gang rapes; besides the threat of infections from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STI’S) and AIDS. The study noted treatment centres are not young people friendly and stigmatization is a major concern. Some of the clients demand for sex without using protection (Condom) and randomly rape and beat children commercial workers for unsatisfactory service delivery. Pregnancy and abortion were reported as hurdles leading to unwanted children and engagement in commercial sex work for sustainability. Due to high numbers of commercial sex workers, there is competition and the cost of sex is going down day by day. Competition further encourages the habit of ganging up in groups to protect areas of operation and drugging clients to rob them. Police harassment and use of excessive force was noted, but the police argued that these children steal client’s wallets, mobile phones and other valuables in the course of their activity. Curbing drug abuse for instance alcoholism is still major setback in Kenya. This is because most alcohol outlets do not regard age considerations while selling alcohol. Some respondents reported that without commercial sex work they would not get married and have no future. While others wanted to train as lawyers or nutritionists or even become international brothel operators, others wanted to be left alone to own their own brothel houses in order to get money quicker. Commercial sex work is highly stigmatized in the society and no one wants to admit involvement due to fear of losing respect and isolation, embarrassment from parents, friends and relatives. This trend exemplifies a deeply engrained trait bedevilling the heart of the family, proving that family values and family ethics are quickly losing place, and it’s about time the society intervened. Majority of respondents proposed several mechanisms in place especially starting income generating activities and rehabilitation and integration of the children as key solution in curbing the practice, despite the weak structures in place and minimal resources available. Despite the challenges and limitations faced in data collection the conclusions of this survey and further consideration in CSEC would also prove worthy to the government, the civil society and international human rights agencies doing research with a bias on the girl child, the academicians, development partners, gender and human rights champions amongst many others.

9:2. RECOMMENDATIONS AND TASK/ ROLE ASSIGNMENTS The report findings presented provide a firm foundation of solutions and the tasks to be assigned to each stakeholder in order to curb CSEC. Globally sex tourism and sex trade is on the increase with an accelerated demand for younger children since most believe they are not yet contaminated. To curb the demand and the practice the recommendations below were derived from the survey findings.



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Civil Society 1. Counselling and rehabilitation of youth within their areas of jurisdiction. 2. Enterprise developments as an alternative source of income for commercial Sex workers.

ii) Resource mobilization. iii) Skills development including acquisition of life skills.

3. Training parents on family responsibility and sharing quality time with children. 4. Identification of potentials that can be nurtured. ILO and Government :

1. Get to grass root to find out why parents encourage and involve children in commercial sex work.

2. Discuss with parents, on the best solutions to their problems. 3. ILO to come up with mitigation and intervention programmes with the CSW as they

are best placed to intervene. 4. Identify stakeholders such as KASH and Pambazuuko to work with. 5. ILO to join hands with the government to implement education forums for CSWs. 6. Government to provide capital for IGAs but to educate the CSWs before providing

the funds, since it can en up being for clothes and alcohol. 7. ILO to assist the government to set up more rehabilitation centres for such children. 8. ILO to sensitize the Chiefs/Assistant chiefs on child labour within plantations in

Nyanza, beaches in Kisumu; and maize plantations and saw mills in Eldoret. 9. ILO to assist the government in providing practical education to CSWs.

GOVERNMENT

1. Government to help CSWs aged over 18 years to obtain Identity Cards so as to work or qualify for loans.

2. Withdraw and rescue children from child labour and take them to children homes or rehabilitation centres.

3. Carry out surveys on the magnitude of children involvement in CSWs. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FGDS CIVIL SOCIETY

� Get to grassroots’ and establish why parents send their children to CSW. � Determine the best solution to the root cause of the problem from the parental view. � Provide education and counselling. � Identifying community counsellors or entry points for intervention. � Identifying forums to meet with CSWs to get their position and determine levels of

interventions. � Parents to be trained on life skills and family responsibility. � Identify vocational education opportunities for CSWs. � Assist in resource mobilization. � Rehabilitate CSWs from drug and alcohol abuse before re-integrating them into

society and introducing them to for life skills. � Encourage parents to take children to school. � Create jobs for the youth. � Sensitize the CSW on reproductive health rights. � Provide awareness on children’s rights to education. � Devolved funds CDF, CBF, LATF, to assist in supporting the OVC instead of rich



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children.

STREET CHILDREN � They want to go to school to study and get jobs. � They need Identity Cards so as to be employed (for those over 18 years). � Have potential i.e. Drama, music and need money for production and nurturing. � Government to provide jobs. � To be given space by council to play instead of being harassed.

EMPLOYER � Hospitality industry to take them back to school or provide vocational training. � Guidance and counselling on the danger of CSW. � Devise roles on discussion of work ethics. � Avoid employing female employees to reduce seduction by clients.

GOVERNMENTS � Sensitization the public concerning the dangers of children CSWs. � Provide vocational training. � Improve FPE to provide uniform, school facilities and introduce programme to

reduce children involvement in CSW. � Enact a policy to cater for OVC and use religious groups to sensitize, guide and

counsel communities on; 1. Vigilance over the legal framework 2. Children rights 3. Employment Act 4. Minimum Wage Act 5. Withdraw and rescue children

TRANSPORT SECTOR

1. Eldoret: Sensitize parents on early methods of interventions. 2. Nyeri – Police and hotel management to be vigilant over children in CSW. 3. Kisumu – Caution parents/teachers to identify, monitor, guide and discourage

children from interacting with older CSWs. 4. Nairobi : Sensitize parents on the immorality linked to CSEC and encourage them to

take children to school.

9.3. FUTURE STRATEGY The analysis presented provides a firm foundation for further research consideration, in developing strategies to curb and reduce the practice of commercial sexual exploitation of children. There is strong evidence from the survey that suggests that the legal framework needs to be reviewed and operationalized to put in place measures to deter perpetrators and curb children involvement in commercial sex. The identified legislation includes:

a) Sexual offences Act b) Children’s Acts c) Employment Act d) Health Act



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e) Education Act f) Policies on Reproductive Health Rights

Policy Facilitation There is a need for policy facilitation to link probation services, children department, ministry of education and health to be sensitized on CSEC and assisted to network with the civil society. There is a need to harmonize the activities of mainstream ministries, the civil society and other stakeholders to address the community from a holistic perspective to enhance communal vigilance and societal morals. Future Work The analysis presented provides a foundation for further considerations in research concerning CSEC. There is strong evidence from the survey that suggested that poverty is not the only root cause of children engagement in CSEC. Hence the equal preposition indicates loss of traditional morals and quick access to money to be re-examined as a root cause of CSEC. Other considerations should depict the various towns and their unique characteristics of socio-economic and ethnic practices and how it impacts on CSEC There is need for a comparative study of the government ministries and the civil societies in handling issues concerning CSEC and examining the legal framework in place to curb the practice. Despite the existence of DCLC the government officers are frequently transferred which interferes with the tempo of work and lack of harmonization of activities of stakeholders in combating CSEC. The statistical analysis has pointed out various correlations and relationships such as parent’s occupation, poverty and prostitution, role of parents in CSEC, children household contribution and parental provision; this analysis points out for a further detailed study. The CSEC survey in general and the report in particular has brought out the seriousness of CSEC, nature, characteristics, cause and extent in Kenya’s selected towns. Others studies can be done to further identify the mitigation and interventions in order to curb the practice. There is need to build an information database about Commercial Sex Work that will assist in establishing a sound social network to help collect, retrieve and analyze data; to prudently help recommend means of combating the problem through partnership with those involved in Commercial Sex work. It would be pertinent to create awareness on the dangers of commercial sex work and try to curb stigmatization as it is a real problem.



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Reference: ANNPCAN and UNICEF Report (2002): “A situational analysis of sexual exploitation of children in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region” International Initiative to End child Labour report on African activities Kenya Country Report 2006 UNICEF report (2000) UNICEF Report (2006) UNICEF Report (2007)



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BASELINE SURVEY

QUESTIONAIRE ADMINSTRATION

CHILDREN IN SCHOOL

1. What is your age and sex? (Male/female) Please tick one category a) 0-12, b) 13-18, c) 19-24,

2. What tribe do you come from? …………………………………………………………………………………………

3. Are you in school, if so what level are you in? a) Primary b) Secondary c) College d) None

4. Where do you go to school/college?



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…………………………………………………………………………………………

5. What other activity do you get involved with, briefly describe ………………………………………………………………………………………….

6. How many children are you in your family, list the number of boys and girls and

what born are you? ………………………………………………………………………………………….

. 7. What is the level of their education?

a) Primary b) Secondary c) College d) None

8. What activities do they occupy themselves with, briefly describe …………………………………………………………………………………………

… 9. Do you stay with your parents or guardian? Yes/No 10. What does your parents/guardian do for a living? Please tick one

a) Office-work. b) Business/small trade. c) Farming d) None

11. Away from school what activities are you involved with? Briefly describe …………………………………………………………………………………………

12. Do you have a boy friend/girlfriend? Yes/ No, If so what does he/she do …………………………………………………………………………………………

13. Who are your friends …………………………………………………………………. 14. Are you affiliated to any church,(Yes/No) if so do you participate in church

activities, briefly describe …………………………………………………………………………………………

… 15. Which places do you frequent? Please tick one

a) Social places. b) Discos c) Neighbourhoods. d) Libraries/School. e) Market place 16. Do usually go out at night for any activities if so what do you usually do?

…………………………………………………………………………………………… 17. Have you ever been arrested by the police, if so what time was it and what was the

offence? …………………………………………………………………………………………

…. 18. Have ever noticed any funny/strange behaviour amongst your siblings if so what

kind? …………………………………………………………….……………………..………..



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HOUSEHOLD 1. Are you a parent/guardian? To how many children and categorize their gender

…………………………………………………………………………………………… 2. What are their age groups?

a) 0-12, b) 13-18, c)19 -24, 3. How old are you? Please tick one

a) 0-18, b) 19-30, c) 31-40, d) 41-50, e) 51 and above

4. What is your level of education? a) Primary b) Secondary c) College d) None

5. Are you married, Polygamous or Monogamous? Please tick one if polygamous how

many wives ………………………………………………………………………………………..

6. What is your occupation? Please tick one

a) Petty trader b) Farmer c)Office worker d) Self –employed (type of trade) e) Service provider (type of service)

7. How long have you worked for or been in business? (Please tick the appropriate)

a) 0-3year b) 4-6years c) 7-9years d) 10 and above 8. Do your children assist you with work at home/farm or business? Yes /No If yes

briefly describe …………………………………………………………………………………………

… 9. Do you live with your children or do they live at your rural home?

…………………………………………………………………………………………… 10. What do your children occupy themselves with during holidays or weekends? Briefly

describe…………………………………………………………………………………….

11. What kind of company do your children keep? Do you ever assess or analyse their

friends if so how? ………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………

…. 12. What is the level of monthly income in Kenya shillings? Please tick any

a. 0-10,000 b. 10001-20,000 c. 20,001-30,000 d. 30,001-40,000 e. 40,001-50,000 above

13. What is your monthly expenditure in the house?

…………………………………………………………………………………………



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14. How often do you buy your children clothing?

……………………………………………………………………………………………

15. What is your children contribution in the house? Briefly describe e.g.

Buying food and other domestics …………………………………………………………………………………………

…. 16. Is your family affiliated to any religion? Please tick

a) Catholic b) protestant c) Islam d) traditionalist e) none 17. How frequently do they go to church / mosque?

…………………………………………………………………………………………… 18. Are they actively involved in the church / mosque processes? Briefly describe

……………………………………………………………………………………………. 19. Have any of your children ever been arrested by the Police? If so what was the reason

for arrest?....................................................................................................................................

20. Did you ever follow up the arrest after release

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………



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EMPLOYER

1. When did you start this business? …………………………………………………………………………………………

….. 2. How many people do you employ in your business?

…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3. What are the gender ratios and the age of your employees? No of Males __________

and No of Females_______ Please rank their Age groups a) 12-19 b) 20-29 c) 30-39 d) 40 and above 4. Are they professionally qualified, if so what is their level of education?

a)Primary b)Secondary c) College d) None 5. Do you provide food, drinks and lodging facilities. If Yes, How many rooms do you

have in your hotel?.………………………………………………………………..……….

6. What kind of patrons/clients frequents your hotel? Briefly describe ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 7. What is the price of accommodation?(Short term and long term ........................................ 8. Where is your hotel located/ situated? Please tick the most appropriate

a. Bus-stage b. High way transit point c. Town centre d. Trading centres

9. Briefly describe the seasonality of patrons?...................................................................

……………………………………………………………………………………………… 10. Do commercial sex workers frequent your hotel?............................................................

……………………………………………………………………………………………… 11. Do you have any working/ strategic relations with them…………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………… 12. What are their timings at the hotel?.................................................................................... 13. What age bracket can you categorize them? Please rank them

a) 0-12, b) 13-18, c) 19-24, d) 25 and above 14. What kind of patrons do they prefer? Please rank them

a) 12-19 b) 20-29 c) 30-39 d) 40 and above



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15. Briefly describe the physical, tribal and racial preferences …………………………………………………………………………………………

…… …………………………………………………………………………………………

…… 16. What is their level of education?

a)Primary b)Secondary c) College d) None 17. Do you consider them as key stakeholders in your business?...........................................

…………………………………………………………………………………………… 18. Do you discuss with them issues concerning HIV/AIDs

……………………………………………………………………………………………… 19. Do you turn those you think are under-age away from your premises? Briefly

comment….……………………………………………………………………..………….

20. Do you ever try to establish their background?....................................................................

…………………………………………………………………………………………….



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GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS 1. What rank do you hold?

……………………………………………………………………………………………. 2. When were you enlisted?................................................................................................. 3. How long have you been at the current station?........................................................... 4. What is your role at the child protection unit? Briefly describe…………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………… 5. Briefly describe your activities at the station ……………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………..……………… 6. Who are your customers? Please categorise them

a) 0-12, b) 13-18, c) 19-24, d) 25 and above 7. What is the common gender? Male or female…………………………………………….. 8. How do you determine their age? Briefly describe………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9. Briefly describe how you usually deal with children involved in commercial sex?.....

…………………………………………………………………………………………… 10. How many incidents concerning children in commercial sex do you come across

weekly……….………………………………………… 11. Briefly describe how you usually identify children in commercial

sex?.............................. …………………………………………………………………………………………

…



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12. What strategies do you usually use in keeping the children in commercial sex off the streets and the hospitality industry?...................................................................................... ……………………………………………………………………………………

13. What is the common gender of the children involved in commercial sex?................. …………………………………………………………………………………………

…… 14. What challenges are you confronted with when trying to enforce the laws governing

commercial sex work?......………………….………………………………………………

15. What are the offences you charge them with?.......................................................... …………………………………………………………………………………………

… 16. How do you apply the law when they are underage?.............................................

……………………………………………………………………………………………..



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CHILDREN IN SCHOOL AND IN FULL TIME CSEC

1. What is your age? ……………………………………………………………..

2. How did you get involved with activity? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. When do you usually go to school? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. How frequently do you absent yourself? …………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. Do you usually concentrate when the teacher is teaching? Briefly comment …………………………………………………………………………………………………

6. How do you perform in class work? Top 10, 20, 30, or 40 and above ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

7. Who are your friends / neighbours? ……………………………………………………………………………………………

8. Do your family/guardian and friends know that you are involved in commercial sex activities? ……………………………………………………………………………………………

9. Do you go to the disco? Yes/No how many times ………………………………………………………………………………………………

10. What type of company do you keep at the disco? Male / female ………………………………………………………………………………………………

11. Do you buy your own drinks or food at the disco? ……………………………………………………………………………………………

12. Do you get involved in sexual relationships? With those you know or strangers …………………………………………………………………………………………

13. Describe briefly how you get clients a. Social places

……………………………………………………………….. b. Pimps

………………………………………………………………………



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c. Bars disco …………………………………………………………………

14. How can you categorize your customers? (Please rank them)

1. Regular ……………………………………………………………………..

2. Occasional / by chance (one night stand) ………………………………….

3. Motorists …………………………………………………………………...

4. Bar patrons …………………………………………………………………

5. Drivers ……………………………………………………………………

6. Preferences race, tribe, physical outlook etc. ………………………………

15. What is the approximate, age of your clients? (Please tick)

a) 0 – 12, b) 13 – 18, c) 19 – 26, d) 27 – 35, e) 36 – 40, f) 41 and above

16. Do you practice safe sex by using condoms? …………………………………………………………………………………………

17. Do you have fears of contracting HIV/AIDs? ………………………………………………………………………………

18. Contractual negotiations. a. Please describe how you usually agree with the customer before going

in bed. ………………………………………………………………………………

b. Why are the behavioural signs / signals? …………………………………………………………………………………….…… c. Physical behaviour …………………………………………………………………………………………… d. Under what state of mind do you usually carrying your activities

(alcohol or drugs) ……………………………………………………………………………………………

e. What precautions do you usually take? …………………………………………………………………………………………



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f. What are your terms of payment? before or after the service has been provided. …………………………………………………………………

g. What are your preferred prices? (Please tick) a. 0 – 200/= b. 200 – 500/= c. 500 – 1,000/= d. 1,000/= and above

19. When customers refuse to pay after getting the service, how do you normally handle it? ……………………………………………………………………………………………

20. Suppose you are paid lower than what you negotiated for, how do you usually handle it …………………………………………………………………………………………………

21. What happens when you meet a client who is drunk, rude and physical and physically abusive? …………………………………………………………………………………………………

22. Describe your experience? …………………………………………………………………………………………………

23. How do you relate with other colleagues in the sex trade? …………………………………………………………………………………………………

24. Do you share clients? …………………………………………………………………………………………………

20. What do you use the money collected from this trade for (Please rank them)

i. Buy food ii. Clothes iii. Pay fees iv. Rent

21. Do you have grouping in your sex trade?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

22. How do you sustain the groups? …………………………………………………………………………………………………

23. Who initiated you into commercial sex trade? Friends, neighbours etc ……………………………………………………………………………………………………



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24. Does your family know that you are involved in the activity? …………………………………………………………………………………………………

25. What problems do you face in your kind of trade? …………………………………………………………………………………………………

26. Do you take alcohol / drugs? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

27. Have you ever been arrested by the police because of this activity? …………………………………………………………………………………………………

28. How do you relate with other Hotel workers. i. Room cleaners

ii. Waiters iii. Bar men iv. Manager of hotel v. Bouncers of disco

a) Very good, b) Good c) Fair d) Poor e) Not at all

29. What kind of family do you come from? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

30. Are your parents living together or separately? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

31. Are your parents alive or dead? Father / mother ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

32. Which born are you in the family? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

33. Are your parents business people or working in an office? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

34. What is the level of education of your father / mother a) Graduate, b) Diploma, c) Secondary, d) Primary, e) No education.

35. Which estate do you reside / live in?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………



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…… 36. What is your level of education; primary, secondary, college?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

37. How do you relate with people who know you or neighbours ? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

38. How do you relate with your older members of your family? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

39. Briefly describe how you relate with your parents once they know you in commercial sex trade? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

40. Do your schoolmaster know that you are involved in commercial sex? Yes / No

41. Does your teacher know that you are involved in commercial sex?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………



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TEACHER’S/COUNSELLOR’S QUETIONNAIRE

1. How long have you been a teacher?

…………………………………………………………………………………

2. How many pupils do you have in your schools? ………………………………………………………………….………………………

3. Categorize the genders. Male / Female ………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. What is the attendance level of the pupils in your school a) Very good b) Good c) Fair d) Poor e) Very poor.

5. How can you rate their performance level?

…………………………………………………………………………………………

6. What are the ages of your pupils a) 0 – 5, 6 – 9, 10 – 12, 13 – 18 19 and above

7. Briefly describe the pupils’ behavioural problem you are usually faced with as a teacher in school. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8. A teacher in school …………………………………………………………………………………………

9. Do you experience pupils’ absenteeism in school, if yes what is the cause? ………………………………………………………………………………………….

10. Is your school faced with pupils pregnancy if yes what is the pregnancy ………………………………………………………………………………………….

11. Have you been confronted with commercial sex activities in school Yes / No. if Yes briefly describe how you identified the issue. ………………………………………………………………………………………

12. What challenges are you confronted with when trying to discipline the concerned pupils. ……………………………………………………………………………………



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……. 13. What extra curricular activities do the pupils engage in school.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

14. As a teacher briefly describe your role when dealing with children involved in commercial sex activities. ………………………………………………………………………………………….

15. Do you link up or network with the parents / guardian of children in commercial sex trade. …………………………………………………………………………………………

16. What is the policy of the school on commercial sex activities? ………………………………………………………………………………………….

17. How do you inform the School Board or Parents Teachers Association P.T.A. over the issue. ………………………………………………………………………………………….

18. What disciplinary procedures do you prefer? ………………………………………………………………………………………….

19. Do you usually council and guide the pupils on what to aspire to in life. Briefly describe………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………….

20. Do the pupils in year school have romantic relationship with fellow teachers? …………………………………………………………………………………………

21. What is the reaction of the pupils whenever confronted with commercial sex issues? …………………………………………………………………………………………

22. How do you usually establish the pupils socio – economic background once involved in commercial sex activities. Briefly describe. ……………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….



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Schools attended by children in commercial sex

Primary and Secondary Schools Attended Frequency Percent Warring' High School 1 1.5 Ossian Secondary School 1 1.5 Kineme Primary 2 3.0 China Primary School 2 3.0 Ebenezer Primary school 1 1.5 Nyberg Primary School 1 1.5 Migosi Primary school 1 1.5 Moipei Primary 1 1.5 Kogony Primary 1 1.5 Kanyamedha Primary 1 1.5 St Valentine High School 1 1.5 Border Farm Secondary School 1 1.5 Ayany Primary 1 1.5 Ngunyumu 1 1.5 New Vision Primary 1 1.5 Mashimoni Secondary 1 1.5 Damascus Primary 1 1.5 St John Non-Formal 1 1.5 Aman's Academy 1 1.5 Kangemi Primary 1 1.5 Tala High School 1 1.5 St Thomas 1 1.5



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Kapsoya Secondary School 1 1.5 Metuma Primary School 1 1.5 Municipal high school 1 1.5 Undugu Society 1 1.5 Kaapsaos Secondary School 1 1.5 Moi Girls Nangili 1 1.5 64 Secondary School 2 3.0 Itigo Girls Secondary School 1 1.5 Eldoret Secondary School 1 1.5 Not Mentioned 6 9.0 Not in School 12 17.9 Ambira 1 1.5 Dudi 1 1.5 Kondele 1 1.5 Manyatta 2 3.0 Manyatta 2 3.0 Migosi 1 1.5 Obunga 3 4.5 Ogango 1 1.5 Ojola 1 1.5 Total 67 100.0

Children School drop out schools attended Frequency Percent

Eldoret township 2 3.8 Sirikwa Academy 1 1.9 Border farm primary 1 1.9 Kapsoya High School 1 1.9 Race course primary 1 1.9 langas 2 3.8 none 8 15.4 Not Mentioned 1 1.9 Chiga Primary 1 1.9 Thurdibuoro Primary 4 7.7 Ulumbi Primary 2 3.8 Uasin Gishu Primary 1 1.9 Kigame 1 1.9 Kudho Primary 4 7.7 Obinju Primary 2 3.8 St Teresa’s 1 1.9 Nyagoa Primary 2 3.8 Manyatta Primary 1 1.9 DHT secondary 2 3.8 Kosawo Primary 1 1.9 Huruma Primary 1 1.9 Sinaga Girls 1 1.9 Nyamisi Primary 1 1.9 Mukumu Girls Primary 1 1.9 Pand Pieri Primary 2 3.8 Eldoret Secondary 2 3.8 Charusa Primary 1 1.9 Kerotet Girls High 1 1.9



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Karapul Primary Siaya 1 1.9 St Mary’s Primary 1 1.9 St Patrick’s Primary 1 1.9 Total 52 100.0

Frequency Percent Eldoret township 2 3.8 Sirikwa Academy 1 1.9 Border farm primary 1 1.9 Kapsoya High School 1 1.9 Race course primary 1 1.9 Langas 2 3.8 None 8 15.4 Not Mentioned 1 1.9 Chiga Primary 1 1.9 Thurdibuoro Primary 4 7.7 Ulumbi Primary 2 3.8 Uasin Gishu Primary 1 1.9 Kigame 1 1.9 Kudho Primary 4 7.7 Obinju Primary 2 3.8 St Teresa’s 1 1.9 Nyagoa Primary 2 3.8 Manyatta Primary 1 1.9 DHT secondary 2 3.8 Kosawo Primary 1 1.9 Huruma Primary 1 1.9 Sinaga Girls 1 1.9 Nyamisi Primary 1 1.9 Mukumu Girls Primary 1 1.9 Pand Pieri Primary 2 3.8 Eldoret Secondary 2 3.8 Charusa Primary 1 1.9 Kerotet Girls High 1 1.9 Karapul Primary Siaya 1 1.9 St Mary’s Primary 1 1.9 St Patrick’s Primary 1 1.9 Total 52 100.0

Children’s Areas of residence CSW

Estates and Residential Areas of respondents Frequency Percent Langas (Kisumu Ndogo) 5 7.5 Kimumu Estate 1 1.5 Road Block Estate 1 1.5 Bandani 5 7.5 Street/Market 2 3.0 Nyamasaria 1 1.5 Kaloleni 1 1.5 Car Wash 1 1.5



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Kanyamedha Village 1 1.5 Kangemi 4 6.0 Langata 1 1.5 Silas Estate 1 1.5 Majengo 3 4.5 Kibera 3 4.5 Dandora(Maili Saba) 1 1.5 Korokocho 4 6.0 Pumwani 1 1.5 Ngara 1 1.5 Pipeline 1 1.5 Mukuru kwa Njenga 5 7.5 Munyaka 1 1.5 Maili Nne 2 3.0 Kahoya Estate 1 1.5 Moi's Bridge 1 1.5 West Flats 1 1.5 Mosoriot 1 1.5 Huruma 2 3.0 Ambira 1 1.5 Kasule 1 1.5 Kondele 1 1.5 Kosawo 1 1.5 Manyatta 4 4.5 Migosi 1 1.5 Nyamasaria 1 1.5 Obunga 1 1.5 Obunga 3 4.5 Otonglo 1 1.5 Total 67 100.0

Employers Profile Frequency Percent - 1 2.1 Hotel/Café 2 4.2 Saloon 5 10.4 Beer and Soda Distribution 1 2.1 Selling 2nd hand clothes 1 2.1 Own a Handcart 1 2.1 Seller 1 2.1 Run a School 1 2.1 Shop 2 4.2 Supervisor 3 6.3 Pub and Restaurant 11 22.9 Food Kiosk/Canteen 4 8.3 Cashier 5 10.4 Waiter 2 4.2 Tailor and Saloonist 1 2.1 Bar and Lodging 2 4.2



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Community Phone 1 2.1 Salon and Barber Shop 1 2.1 Disco 1 2.1 Hotel 1 2.1 Total 48 100.0

baseline survey on children in commercial sex in kenya's four

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