Atheists in Kenya (AIK) has asked Nairobi county governor Mike Sonko to construct brothels in the city rather than passing laws that ban prostitution.
In a press statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the association's Chairperson Harrison Mumia stated that the anti-prostitution laws discriminately targetted women.
"In the face of high unemployment rates in Kenya and no viable alternatives for earning a living, sex work indeed offers one of the more stable and accessible ways to financially support women and their families. Nairobi County could even benefit from sex work by taxing commercial sex workers!
"It is our firm position, therefore, that instead of banning prostitution, Nairobi County Assembly should pass enabling legislation to facilitate the smooth running of brothels so as to enable the government to exercise more control over the sex industry," he stated.
[caption caption="File image of Atheists in Kenya (AIK) Chairperson Harrison Mumia "]
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Mr Mumia further expressed his dismay by the passing of the motion by the County Assembly prohibiting commercial sex workers in the County and issued an ultimatum to have it repealed.
"The passing of this law is unconstitutional, illegal, untenable and retrogressive. We are asking the Nairobi County Assembly to repeal this law within 14 days, or face unspecified action aimed at protecting the rights of prostitutes in Nairobi," he conveyed.
Additionally, Mr Mumia opined that prostitution was the provision of sexual services for negotiated payment between consenting adults and it was a service industry like any other in which people exchange skills for money or other rewards.
"Workers in the sex industry deserve the same rights as workers in any other trade, including deserving the same rights as workers in any other trade, including the right to legal protection from crimes such as sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and rape.
"An adult who chooses to engage in sexual activity, whether for recreation, procreation or in exchange for something of value, makes a private, individual choice that should not be subject to criminal sanctions. Our rights to individual autonomy and privacy allow us all to make these decisions as adults," he explained.
On Friday, Nairobi County Ward representatives unanimously passed a law prohibiting commercial sex work in the Capital.
[caption caption="Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi during a session"]
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The Members of County Assembly (MCAs) debated and adopted a strongly worded motion put forward by Woodley Kenyatta Golf Course MCA Mwangi Njihia.
