Carolyne Njoroge KESWA National Coordinator

Sex Workers Demand Answers: Where Is Kenya’s Plan to Stop Femicide?
By John Kariuki

Violence against sex workers in Kenya is escalating, yet the government’s response remains slow and insufficient. For decades, the Kenya Sex Workers Alliance (KESWA) has been documenting abuse, supporting survivors, and advocating for justice, but recognition without action is leaving lives at risk.

Through county-level leadership and community engagement, sex workers have consistently contributed to national processes, including the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Despite these efforts, the Taskforce’s report, which promises to highlight the unique vulnerabilities of marginalized women, has yet to be released publicly.

One year on, questions remain unanswered. Where is the public accountability? Why have the Taskforce’s recommendations not translated into action? National statistics reveal a worrying rise in femicide and gender-based violence, showing that promises alone cannot protect lives. Kenya cannot allow intentions to replace tangible measures that ensure safety and justice.

KESWA is calling for the immediate release of the Taskforce report along with a clear implementation roadmap, with updates expected by January 2026. The organization stresses that reviewing and amending laws criminalizing sex work is urgent, arguing that decriminalization is not a distraction but a critical legal reform that would reduce stigma, prevent violence, and improve access to justice.

“Sex workers have engaged the End Femicide process in good faith for decades because our lives matter. We have documented violence, buried our sisters, and contributed evidence to national processes. Recognition without action is not enough. Where is the report, and how will it be implemented? Decriminalization is not a distraction; it is a necessary legal reform if Kenya is serious about ending femicide and gender-based violence for all women,” said Carolyne Njoroge, KESWA National Coordinator.

For over a decade, sex workers have led community-driven advocacy, shaped national discourse on violence, and supported survivors long before these issues gained mainstream attention. The movement continues to push for reforms that ensure sex workers and all women can live in safety, dignity, and respect.