After more than two decades in one of society’s most stigmatized professions, 49-year-old Sarah Mutero has decided to retire, bringing to a close a 22-year journey that she says was marked by hardship, resilience, and sacrifice.…....
Mutero, who worked in various locations including Nairobi’s city centre, Embu, and the Majengo area, estimates that she served thousands of clients during her career.
While the work provided an income, she says it was often just enough to cover basic necessities such as rent, food, clothing, and her children’s education.
“It was never easy,” Mutero said. “People think there is a lot of money in the business, but most of what I earned went into taking care of my family and raising my children.”
To mark her retirement, supporters gifted her a parcel of land in Makuyu, Murang’a County, valued at about KSh120,000.
Well-wishers have also pledged to raise funds to help build her a house, giving her an opportunity to begin a new phase of life away from the streets.
A mother of two sons, Mutero says her children have always encouraged her to leave the trade. She believes they were aware of her work and often prayed for a better future for her.
Now, she hopes to live a quieter life focused on family and personal peace. “I want to retire and settle down quietly,” she said. “I am not interested in going back. I just want to enjoy life with my children.”
Mutero’s story highlights the economic struggles faced by many women in the informal sex industry, where earnings can be unpredictable despite long hours and difficult working conditions.
As younger workers enter the trade, she hopes her retirement will inspire others to plan for life beyond the profession and seek opportunities for a more secure future.
