It is around 6:30 pm, and from a distance at the Shella Channel in Lamu County, two people are maneuvering their boat.
Shella Channel is among the fishing grounds in Lamu known for its rough, tall waves and fierce winds. The vessel is being swayed from side to side and at times tossed by the waves. But the crew remains focused and stays hard at their work.
Donning a simple navy-blue oversized polo T-shirt and a life jacket, Mr Hussein looks fascinated by what he is doing, casting his fishing line and waiting patiently for his catch.
“I can’t leave this occupation. I respect it so much. I began fishing when I was only 14 years of age,” says Mr Hussein.
The biggest fish that were by fishermen during the Lamu fishing competition on display at the KPA Jetty on November 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Kalume Kazungu | Nation Media Group
During weekends or school holidays, Mr Hussein immerses himself fully in fishing. Born in Mtangawanda Village in Pate Island, one of the renowned fishing hubs of Lamu County, Mr Hussein grew up in a family where his father was a farmer.
But because his interest was firmly in fishing, he would leave home and accompany a group of his friends on fishing ventures in the Indian Ocean. The friends included elderly fishermen who were skilled and had vast experience in fishing. That is how he learnt the occupation, through apprenticeship.
As a primary school pupil and even later as a secondary and college student, Mr Hussein still found time during weekends or school holidays to do what he loves best. Fishing enabled him to get pocket money and at times contribute to his school fees and other bills.
Mwenye Hussein (left), 47, the captain of Tupendane dhow with his son, Ahmed Mwenye, 20, on November 23,2025. Their vessel caught the biggest fish during the Lamu fishing competition. The Yellowfin tuna fish weighed 90 kilograms.
Photo credit: Kalume Kazungu | Nation Media Group
“Many parts of the world often view fishing as an ‘occupation of last resort’ for the poor. But as for me, I believe brave people are the ones embracing this. Even if there’s a bit of truth in it, it's not exclusively a ‘low-class’ activity,” said Mr Hussein.
“As for me, it’s both a hobby and a recreational venture. It has also made me physically fit now that I don’t always rest all through. I engage my body in these rigorous fishing activities. When I go to class, I am more than refreshed,” said Mr Hussein.
Just for the love of the occupation, he has equipped himself with the required gadgets, including an outboard engine boat, safety gear, modern fishing rods and reels, and the right fishing lines. He also invested in a GPS unit, a gadget used by fishermen to navigate and ensure their safety at sea.
He insists that succeeding in the fishing industry requires significant financial investment for equipment and travel.
Mwenye Hussein Ahmed,47, the headteacher cum fisherman with his son, Ahmed Mwenye Hussein, 20, at the Shella shores of the Indian Ocean in Lamu.
Photo credit: Kalume Kazungu | Nation Media Group
“I do everything by myself as it’s my hobby. I’ve also trained my son and I am proud of him. He is an expert. I want to be a role model to my community here. That’s why apart from my son, I’ve also nurtured many talents embracing this centuries-old occupation here in Lamu,” said Mr Hussein.
“Apart from commercial and subsistence use, I give some of the fish I catch to people free of charge. I am a man of the people," he boasted.
Ahmed Mwenye, 20, the third-born child of Mr Hussein, describes his father as a down-to-earth person. Mr Mwenye says it is hard for someone to realise that his father is a head teacher when venturing out at sea or when walking with him along the streets of Lamu Island.
He says his father’s lifestyle has taught him to be courageous, perseverant and resilient in whatever he does in life and to always maintain balance. Mr Mwenye reiterates that fishing inherently involves facing significant risks and challenges, particularly when maneuvering in open waters or seas.
“I can attest that fishing is one of the most dangerous hustles on earth. It’s work that demands remarkable courage, resilience, and profound respect for the sea’s unpredictable nature. My father has taught me all this. I am proud of him,” said Mr Mwenye.
He calls on people to respect the fishing occupation the same way they respect other occupations, noting that despite the treacherous storms and dangerous situations they face in the Indian Ocean, fishermen still go out every day to ensure fish is accessible to the people.
“Those undermining the fishing occupation should stop. They should understand fishermen always put their lives on the line daily just to ensure fish is provided on people’s tables. As fishermen, we’re always willing to face head-on the risks that most people avoid. This makes us the ‘unsung heroes’ in our society,” said Mr Mwenye.
Balancing responsibilities
Lamu Central Sub-County Education Director Rukia Ali Abdalla lauded Mr Hussein for his zeal and determination in making ends meet. She describes Mr Hussein as a hardworking individual who knows how to balance his responsibilities and called on other teachers and public servants to emulate him.
“Even if he retires today, Mr Hussein won’t be bored as he already has an established occupation in fishing. He is generally a hardworking man, balancing between school and fishing. We’re proud of him,” said Ms Abdalla.
During the 23rd edition of the Lamu Cultural Festival fishing competition last month, Mr Hussein hit the headlines when his crew of four fishermen won the challenge.
Aboard a fishing dhow christened ‘Tupendane’, the crew of Mr Hussein, his son Mwenye, Abdulsalaam Bwana and Asad Kupi,caught the biggest and heaviest fish, a yellowfin tuna weighing 90 kilograms.
The crew bagged an award of Sh200,000, a trophy and an outboard engine. Their 90-kilogram yellowfin tuna also topped the 2025 fishing auctioneering event held at the KPA Jetty, where it was bought at Sh55,000.
Mwenye Hussein Ahmed,47, displays a big fish shortly after capturing it at the Shella Channel of the Indian Ocean, Lamu Island.
Photo credit: Pool
Mr Hussein attended Mtangawanda Primary School in Lamu East. He joined Barani High in Malindi, Kilifi County, before transferring to Lamu Boys where he completed his secondary education.
He later went to Asumbi Teachers Training College in Homa Bay for two years and attained his P1 Certificate. He has taught in various places, including his home school, Mtangawanda Primary, before he was posted to Wiyoni Comprehensive School as the head teacher, where he serves to date.
