SEX TOURISM
FEBRUARY 4, 2010
BY EUGENE OMILO
Residents of Diani in South Coast have decried to the government over increasing cases of sex tourism in the area allegedly perpetrated by tourists living in villas.
Led by local civic leaders, the residents complained of the many cases of children dropping out of schools due to early pregnancies and the rising number of half cast children born by young girls with irresponsible tourists.
The leaders, Rasso Shomali of Ukunda ward and Omar Boga of Gombato ward in Diani said the Tourism officials should regulate the operations of villas and cottages in the area.
Currently there are more than 200 villas and cottages in Diani, with more tourists opting to live in villas as opposed to hotels where there are restrictive measures and monitoring.
“Our government is keener on collecting revenue from these villas but it is not concerned of the effects this trade is passing to our vulnerable children,” said Shomali.
He said most of the villa owners who are mainly foreigners register their apartments as private villas only to use them for commercial purposes later by leasing them out to their friends.
Boga said it is sad some parents are led by poverty to approve their daughter’s relations with the tourists to benefit economically.
He said the ministry should be more vigilant to save teenage girls from being turned into prostitutes.
ENDS…
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