Mai Mahiu residents have called on the relevant authorities to help them fight child prostitution in the area.
The residents argue that the vice is taking root due to the availability of clients offered by the long distance drivers. They have expressed concern at the number of school-going girls roaming the area with an aim of luring customers.
Most of the residents who spoke to Hivisasa on Friday said that the young girls were being lured into prostitution because of poverty and hard living conditions.
“We want the concerned authorities to be vigilant now that our girls are here for the August holiday,” noted Hellen Alingo. “The situation here is very pathetic, our girls are competing for these drivers as if nobody is seeing this,” she added.
The residents argue that the drivers give the girls money and make other sweet promises to entice them. “Our girls are being introduced into adult life at an early stage,” Alex Ole Sakalu offered.
A case is told of how a Form One student missed her end term exams after running away with one of the drivers only to resurface three weeks later.
Confirming the case, Naivasha Sub-County children officer John Chege revealed that there was a need to educate the teenagers on the dangers saying if ignored, the situation will get out of hand.
“We have received reports about the Mai Mahiu situation but some parents have proved to be uncooperative. The sad bit is that some parents send their daughters to hustle and bring food for the rest of the family,” he said.
“We are trying to work with the local leaders to help save our young girls because that’s our responsibility in society,” he added.
The residents have promised to hold a peaceful demonstration if their pleas are not addressed saying their teenagers are being led astray.
They promised to be on the lookout during this August holiday so that the number of underage prostitutes is reduced.