Prostitution in Kenya is widespread.[1] The legal situation is complex. Although prostitution is not criminalised by National law, municipal by-laws may prohibit it.[2] (Nairobi banned all sex work in December 2017).[2] It is illegal to profit from the prostitution of others, and to aid, abet, compel or incite prostitution. (Sections 153 and 154 of the Penal Code).[3] UNAIDS estimate there to be 133,675 prostitutes in the country.[4]
Many foreign men and women take part in sex tourism, which is thriving at resorts along Kenya's coast. Thousands of girls and boys are involved in casual child prostitution[5] due to poverty in the region.
Sex workers report abuse, extortion and violence from the police.[3]
Japanese prostitutes (the Karayuki-san) serviced British colonialists in Kenya.[6][7]