Nation Reporter
21 December 2006
Nairobi — Sexual exploitation of girls is common in all major towns, not just at the Coast, a University of Nairobi lecturer said yesterday.
Reacting to the story on sexual exploitation girls in the coastal region, in yesterday's Daily Nation, Prof Elizabeth Ngugi said: "We have done studies and even visited the towns and found that the problem is not only confined to Mombasa."
She urged the Government to set down tough rules to punish sex offenders as the first step to protect vulnerable children.
A report officially launched by Vice-President Moody Awori on Tuesday revealed shocking details on child sex in Coast Province. It said 15,000 girls under 18 were being exploited for cash.
The study said more than 5,000 child prostitutes do not protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases like Aids.
About 3,000 of them are engaged in full-time prostitution, having dropped out of school and given up on any other means of earning a living.
Blamed poverty
The study was carried out along the coastline that stretches from Malindi in the north to Ukunda in the south. It targeted beaches and holiday resorts. It was carried out in Malindi, Watamu, Mtwapa, Bombolulu, Mombasa, Diani, Ukunda and Shanzu beaches.
Agreeing with the report, Prof Ngugi, who lectures on community health, blamed poverty for the increase in child prostitution. She said many of the girls go into the illegal business to make a living.
Her views were supported by the chairperson of the Anti-Rape Movement, Ms Fatma Anyanzwa, who condemned the Government for dragging its feet in solving the crime. "Child prostitution has been going on for a long time but the Government decided not take prompt action against it," Ms Anyanzwa said.
According to the report, Kenyans, Italians, Germans and Swiss men were the worst perpetrators of sexual exploitation of children in the region.
During the launch, Mr Awori said laws against sexual exploitation of children would be reviewed to enhance punishment for the offence.
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