Background:

Poor uptake of services among young sex workers remains a major challenge for key population programs in Kenya. Young sex workers are a priority because of higher vulnerabilities from low self-perception of risk, little SRH knowledge and high rates of sexual violence. They do not readily seek available services as they may not identify as sex workers and experience greater self-stigma. Additionally, approaches outlined in the Kenya national guidelines do not identify or address the needs of young sex workers.  There is therefore need for evidence-based interventions to promote service uptake for young FSW.

This is an implementation research, supported by JILINDE and implemented in collaboration with NASCOP and MPEG. At ICRHK, the study is implemented at ICRHK Kisauni drop in center in Mombasa County. Its broad objective is to demonstrate and document lessons in programming for young female sex workers as outlined in the national guidelines for programming with young FSW. Evidence from this study will be used to scale-up the guidelines nationally. The study is ongoing and will be concluded in August 2020.

“ Well you see, a  sex den is like a group of these young sex workers are put in a room, yeah, so they have a broker who will also bring the clients and negotiate with them, so they might have negotiated and agreed there will be no condom use, so you will have no option.”  – Feedback from an FGD at ICRH Kisauni DICE​