Sex workers in Kisumu have raised concerns over the increased violence against them as they mark the international sex workers rights day.
Kisumu Sex Workers Alliance (KISWA) said they are subjected to sexual abuse and assaults.
KISWA Director Doughtie Agala said two sex workers are admitted in hospital after being gang-raped.
The group held a peaceful procession in the streets of Kisumu to push for their recognition. They accused the police of using unnecessary force to arrest and abuse sex workers while in custody.
Speaking yesterday at Social Hall in Kisumu Town, Agala said in the last one year, 15 cases of abuse were reported to Kiswa where one died.
She said the abuse is rape and physical assaults mostly perpetrators by the public, police and clients.
Agala said three other cases in court where sex worker was abused by bar manager for asking her pay and a football team manager aped sex worker at gunpoint.
She said Kisumu has 5,300 sex workers with 22 sex workers group and 2,013 individuals registered under Kiswa.
She said the government should decriminalise sex work saying it is a form of labour and should be recognised.
Agala said sex workers should be protected because they are citizens and require state protection.
She urged sex workers to ensure that they are registered as voters ahead of the August 8, 2017 general election.
"We want the government and the public to understand that sex workers are not criminals and continuous harassment against them is unconstitutional and inhumane," Agala said.
She added that the sex workers are committed to reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Agala urged the sex workers whom he also referred to as an important part of the community to make use of what they earn so as to save up for the future.
Lack of laws to protect sex workers leaves them at risk of sexual violence and harassment, Shiners community based organisation director Polycarp Okeyo said.
Okeyo said sex workers want their work decriminalised arguing that this would earn the government revenue in exchange for protection.
He called for government recognition to pay taxes and an end to police harassment and public assault.
Okeyo supported homosexual and lesbians saying those opposed to such were infringing human rights.