Funded by UNFPA and implemented by ICRHK in partnership with the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya – Mombasa (CIPK), the OKOA JAHAZI Project empowers sex workers in Mombasa to pursue alternative sources of livelihood. The project creates an enabling environment by strengthening the capacity of sex workers, building the skills of counselors to address their concerns, and providing soft loans and technical assistance. It is informed by the understanding that sex work is largely driven by economic realities, where decisions are shaped by limited job opportunities and the need to provide for families.

Impact

1. Engaged 80 stakeholders from 13 priority sites in a consultative meeting graced by UNFPA, fostering collaboration on HIV program priorities.
2. Trained 25 religious leaders in peer education to strengthen community awareness and support.
3. Equipped 25 female sex workers with business management skills to support sustainable economic empowerment.
4. Enhanced the capacity of VCT counselors from ICRHK and CIPK through a three-day specialized training on handling sex workers’ concerns.
5. Trained 64 sex workers in business management and facilitated access to soft loans (KES 5,000–11,000), enabling them to start or expand income-generating activities.