The plight of the girl child — victims of retrogressive cultural practices, parental neglect and sex tourism — still haunts Kilifi county and the larger Coast region. This exposes the minors to double jeopardy; denial of chance to complete school for a better future and risk of contracting HIV/Aids. And this distressing state of affairs has drawn the attention of lobby groups — Human Rights Agenda (HRA) and Sauti Ya Wanawake Ganze — which have raised the red flag on the increasing number of girls dropping out of school and trooping into commercial sex work.
HRA programmes officer Eric Mgoja says tourist resorts in Malindi, Mambrui, Watamu, Kilifi, Mtwapa and Mariakani bear the blame for the rise in vices, with the underage girls finding ready patrons in tourists and local tycoons. He says it is tragic that the police and county government are turning a blind eye on abuse of girls who are lured into the nightclubs for sex and stripping.
Sauti Ya Wanawake Ganze sub-county chairperson Judith Uchi says the plight of the girl child in the area is a ticking time-bomb. According to her, it is tragic that many underage girls go to towns and beaches in search of tourists and wealthy men to “sell” their bodies to fend for their families.
Mgoja has asked children departments within the National and County governments, local communities and organisations to work together with to fight sex tourism in the region. “I am calling on the relevant ministries in the National and County governments to come together and get a lasting solution to the vice,” he said.
Mgoja added that poverty is pushing more girls to engage in prostitution instead of getting involved in income-generating activities. He urged parents to monitor their daughters and ensure they get an education noting with concern that girls who engage in prostitution are at a high risk of contracting HIV/Aids.
“Many parents are not taking responsibility of their children and those found to neglect their parental duties should be arrested. We have a duty to protect our children from perverts keen on abusing girls for personal and financial benefits,” said Mgoja.
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