About 8 to 9 kilometers from Mombasa city center, located in Nyali, and occupying 17 acres of land lies the largest crocodile farm in Africa. Mamba Crocodile Farm popularly known as Mamba Village is owned by former Nyali Member of Parliament, Hezron Awiti. The expansive farm was opened five decades ago.According to the investor, the farm is worth more than Kenyan shillings 250 million. In 1995, Mr. Awiti bought the farm from a foreigner who used it mainly as a tourist site. Initially the farm used to be a quarry and a dumpsite before it was converted into a conservation area for crocodiles.The legislator then switched to commercial farming after he learnt that crocodile skins were a lucrative business in overseas markets.
“While on trips abroad, I came across items such as handbags, shoes, belts and watch straps made from crocodile skin which only the well-off people can afford to buy,” said Awiti.
By Kenyans