Question 1

What is the "Aggressive Waterfront Curio Vendors" scam in Lamu?

Accepted Answer

Vendors on Lamu's waterfront promenade follow tourists for extended distances, blocking passage and refusing to accept a "no" to their sales pitches. Some use guilt tactics, claiming hardship, or place items in tourists' hands and demand payment after the tourist has touched them. Walk with purpose and avoid eye contact if you do not wish to engage. Say "la, asante" (no, thank you) firmly and continue walking. Do not touch or handle items offered to you unless you intend to consider purchasing.

Question 2

What is the "Counterfeit Swahili Crafts" scam in Lamu?

Accepted Answer

Vendors in the craft market and roaming the old town sell machine-made items—wooden chests, carved doors, kikoi cloth—falsely claimed to be antique or hand-crafted locally. Prices are set as if for authentic antiques. Some "antique" brass items are newly cast replicas sold as century-old originals. Purchase crafts only from established shops with a track record. Ask specifically where and when the item was made. Be skeptical of any item claimed to be antique at a market price.

Street Scams in Lamu

Aggressive Waterfront Curio Vendors

Counterfeit Swahili Crafts

Experienced a scam here?