THE INFLUENCE OF THE CHURCH ON COMMERCIAL SEX WORK IN KAKAMEGA TOWN, KAKAMEGA COUNTY

Abstract

Commercial sex work is on the rise globally due to a number of factors most of them being socio-economic factors. The church is mandated to help groups such as sex workers realize where they belong just as Jesus Himself taught and did. The study therefore sought to bring an understanding of the influence of the church on sex workers. This study was guided by three specific objectives which are: to establish the prevalence of sex work in relation to church membership in Kakamega town; to examine the Christian attitude and perception on sex work in Kakamega town; to establish the church’s efficacy towards accommodation and rehabilitation mandate in relation to sex workers in Kakamega town. The study was anchored on Structural Functionalism Theory by Hebert Spencer. This theory fits the study since the church being one of the structures in the society is mandated to provide guidance both spiritually and physically hence helping deviant groups like sex workers re-realize themselves. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The sample population of the study was 384 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Data was analyzed using descriptive technique. The findings of the study indicate that sex work is on the increase in Kakamega town despite the facts that there are many churches and that sex workers are not part of the church congregation, a fact that makes it very hard for the church to reach out to them and understand them. The church also has a negative perception and attitude towards sex workers failing to realize that the main factor behind sex work industry is poverty and lastly the church has no proper plans that would see sex workers accommodated and rehabilitated. The study therefore recommended that collaborative approach where the church works hand in hand with the government, NGOs and other major players should be employed.