Are these Nairobi spas engaged in prostitution?

Two Nairobi spas have been put on the spotlight for erecting roadside billboards advertising their services, yet they are alleged to be involved in criminal activities, which could include prostitution.

The erotic billboards have been placed on Ole Dume Road and Diani Road in Kilimani area. They promise potential clients the best and most relaxing massage services as well as the best masseuses. It is known that most salons, spas and massage parlours use beautiful women to attract male clients.

However, according to Crime Watch Nairobi, an online forum that highlights criminal activities in the capital, residents of the area have confirmed they are engaged in illegal activities and are appealing for intervention from the authorities.

Dear @MikeSonko @EzekielMutua these two boards on the junction of ole odume rd and diani rd are clearly selling illegal services. Residents have confirmed this and asked CW to seek your intervention. @NPSOfficial_KE pic.twitter.com/H3uNQmgkU0

— Crime Watch Nairobi (@suemc_phee) October 3, 2018

Such establishments both in Nairobi and elsewhere have long been associated with prostitution, which is offered as “happy endings” at an extra pay. Most masseuses are often suggestively dressed  and work to arouse their clients when massaging them before offering opportunities for extra services. However, a photo on Uptown Spa’s Facebook Page shows its staff attending to fermale clients while decently dressed unlike what is depicted on the billboards (See below).

In Nairobi, most of them are located in city centre, Hurlingham, Kilimani and Westlands. In Hurlingham area, the girls are said to charge an average of Ksh 2,000 and up to Ksh 5,000 if you stay overnight plus a non-negotiable Ksh 1,000 for accommodation.

Although prostitution is not criminalised in the country, the Penal Code makes it illegal to profit from the prostitution of others, and to aid, abet, compel or incite prostitution. This includes operating brothels.

Last month, 12 Chinese nationals were arrested at a brothel in South C, Nairobi and subsequently deported with immigration authorities saying they are believed to have been engaging in prostitution.

Last year, Nairobi Members of County Assembly passed a motion to ban prostitution in the capital though the same is yet to be enacted into law.