Residents of Transami and Pipeline estates in Embakasi, Nairobi, have expressed growing concern over the increasing presence of sex workers operating within residential neighborhoods—some even right at apartment entrances.
What was previously limited to bars, clubs, and specific street spots has now crept into the estates, raising alarm among families.
“As a parent of teenagers, it’s troubling to witness this happening so close to home,” said Patrick Musyoka, a Pipeline resident and mechanic at a logistics company.
Musyoka recounted an incident where he arrived home around 11 p.m. and found two scantily dressed women loitering near his gate—an encounter that, he noted, has become all too frequent.
Residents say the women often approach men, particularly younger ones, returning home late from work.
“Some of them are extremely forward and use foul language if ignored. It’s uncomfortable, especially when walking with your children,” said Michael Kabiru, who lives in Transami.
“If this goes on, we risk losing an entire generation of youth,” warned Denis Mugweru from Pipeline.
Mugweru attributed the rise in estate-based sex work to high unemployment and the economic hardship many young women face.
Now, both tenants and estate officials are appealing to landlords to step in and help curb the trend before it worsens.
