He sells sea-shells by the sea-shore

As one who understands his trade well, Mohamed Athman, 28, easily regales his customers with his in depth knowledge of cowrie shell trade.

“Rabbit shells and bull shells once had edible sea creatures inside, handle them with care in respect of the food they once carried,” jokes Athman who sells sea shells along the busy Mama Ngina Drive in Mombasa.

“This is tiger shell; bull shell, rabbit shell, scorpion, tortoise shell and special shells which are not readily available,” he says while pointing at shell types in that order.

Athman says he buys his shells at wholesale price for as low as Sh50 while some types cost as high as Sh400.

“I get my cowrie shells from South Coast areas of Vanga and Shimoni in Kwale County and I make at least 50 per cent profit from every cowrie,” he says noting that various types of shells are found in specific waters which are known only to experienced fishermen.

“The cowries have to be thoroughly washed before they can be attractive to the eye. Wazungu buyers are better buyers as opposed to locals who quote prices below the buying price,” he says.

The businessman says the trade is seasonal and he can sometimes go for a week without making a sale. However, on a good day, he makes about Sh1,000 and says business peaks in April, August and December when there are many local and international tourists visiting the Coastal city.

He notes a number of tourists have been complaining they cannot leave the country with the shells, something he says has greatly affected the business.