Not Prostitutes, but Sex Workers; Online Writers and Editors in Kenya Kindly Note

By: P. B. Okaka, MDS

By 2015, it was estimated that 30%[1] of new annual HIV infections in Kenya were among people from key populations[2]. According to a 2014 Population Council survey[3], in Nairobi County alone, there were an estimated 11,042 Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and 29,494 Female Sex Workers (FSWs). Due to their sexual and relational patterns, they are at risk of contracting and spreading HIV/AIDS if not reached with both prevention and treatment services. Despite efforts by Government of Kenya (through the Ministry of Health) and aligned Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in ensuring HIV/AIDS services are confidential, of quality, convenient, and pocket friendly (where costs are applicable) to the hard-to-reach populations, it is unfortunate that online writers and editors in Kenya haven’t changed their in-house style of reporting, to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS among these populations. This setting might slow down the adoption of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (popularly as PrEP or Truvada[4]) which is aimed at protecting HIV-negative people before exposure to the virus. Also, if online writers and editors do not adopt non-stigmatizing terminologies, they will ultimately kill the nationhood spirit of being the second[5] country in sub-Saharan Africa to issue full regulatory approval for PrEP.

There is over 34,300,000[6] results for the phrase ‘prostitutes Kenya media’ online; East Africa search would produce more – this is evidence enough of use of the word by online writers and editors. It should be noted that as much as the word ‘prostitute’ will sell an article to sensational readers, it also brands any ‘suspected’ woman or man to be one, thus creating room by giving the general population power to mark and use it (i.e., the word prostitute) as a derogatory term, which presumptively triggers elements of stigma and discrimination towards key populations. Online writers and editors should note that FSW and MSM blossom not in their cocoons, but thrive to feed an inconsumable demand created by the market. With such interaction, and despite being a Key Population, a HIV negative person is equally exposed to contracting and later infecting others with HIV.

It should however be noted that sex workers (not prostitutes and not commercial sex workers) acknowledge the fact that for decades, they have had an adversarial relationship with not only the general population, but a protracted one with writers and editors. The self-tagged ‘elites’ (online writers and editors) are basically cut from the ‘capitalist’ cloth, which makes them utilize images and words that will attract a section of the public to buy sensational news while they advertise alongside. For those in journalism world, you will understand that such actions, agenda-set human opinion, change perceived social ranking, and alter response to humanitarian crisis. Those who beat, abuse and violate rights of sex workers, do not see them as humans; online writers and editors included. This is the foreseen barrier in achieving 100% utilization of Truvada[7] by key populations, as access at any service point (be it chemists or clinics) will result to public crucifixion, with general population seeking answers to questions that violate the right to access[8] healthcare by any Kenyan; why do you need it? Aren’t you a sex worker?

To reach key populations with HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services, the Government of Kenya strategically micro plans[9] by training and enhancing capacity of a few FSWs and MSM who are bold enough to mobilize and teach their peers (cohorts) in their hideout (which are day and night clubs, brothels, and shared houses). As mobile telephony penetrates[10] (now at 80.5% among Kenyans, loosely translating to about 35,000 sex workers in Nairobi alone) and the network expands towards its apex, it should be noted that a double adaptation happens, that is, it equally spreads online sex and dating sites too. A paradigm shift is from sex workers physically standing along known roads (e.g., Koinange in Nairobi, Kenya) to negotiating with clients online is expected. What this pose is greatest challenge to reaching them as they can continuously operate in hiding if writers and editors follow them to their darkness through stigmatizing and discriminatory online content. As much as it is not the role of the national government and aligned partners to stop sex workers from going digital and operating online, it is important that this new space is protected to enable access to and utilization of HIV/AIDS treatment. This calls for every citizen to ensure he/she shuns and frowns upon anyone who uses the word ‘prostitute’ (verbal or written). They are not ‘prostitutes,’ but Sex Workers.

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[1] Kenya National AIDS Control Council (2014) ‘Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework 2014/2015 – 2018/2019’[pdf]

[2] https://www.popcouncil.org/research/key-populations-at-risk-for-hiv

[3] https://www.popcouncil.org/news/estimating-the-size-of-key-populations-in-nairobi-kenya

[4] https://www.drugs.com/truvada.html

[5] UNAIDS (2016) 'Prevention Gap Report'[pdf]

[6]https://www.bing.com/search?q=prostitutes+kenya+media&form=EDGNTC&qs=PF&cvid=3e3fb6667fb74314bcaf6b5c9764d85d&cc=US&setlang=en-US

[7] https://www.drugs.com/truvada.html

[8] Article 43(1a) that every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to health care services, including reproductive health care, and in Article 43(2), that a person shall not be denied emergency medical treatment. Article 27(2) guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination, and the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and fundamental freedoms.

[9] Kenyan Ministry of Health (2014) Kenya HIV Prevention Revolution Road Map[pdf]

[10] https://ca.go.ke/index.php/what-we-do/94-news/285-kenya-s-mobile-penetration-hits-80-per-cent