AMBANI KENYA

TURKANA, KENYA

On the shores of Lake Turkana, in the remote desert of northern Kenya, lies a region long overlooked by the rest of the world. Years of drought, dying livestock, and food scarcity shaped daily life — survival was the only goal. And yet, right here, under these harsh conditions, a remarkable story began: the story of how discarded fish skin became an unexpected fashion statement.

“Fishing instead of hunger” — the turning point

During one of the most severe droughts in recent years, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) turned its attention to this forgotten region. “It was all about survival — securing food and creating new perspectives for people and their environment,” recalls Elvira, who worked for WFP at the time. Gradually, the focus shifted toward fishing — a sustainable way to rebuild livelihoods. Boats, cold-storage facilities, and training programs followed. Step by step, the vast Lake Turkana became a new lifeline. “An incredible gift,” says Elvira.

The by-product challenge

But with every catch of Nile perch — a table fish weighing up to 100 kg — mountains of fish skin piled up. Not suitable for eating, hardly usable as animal feed, most of it was simply discarded. Up to half a square meter of skin per fish — wasted.

“What if this so-called waste could become something new?” It was Ira Ambani’s idea.

Together with her husband James, who both live in the Turkana region, she asked a simple question: “Couldn’t we turn the skin into leather?” That question became the seed of Ambani Fish Leather. James and Ira began to research, experiment, and eventually developed their own tanning process — transforming Nile perch skin into durable, beautifully textured leather. A material as bold and distinctive as the story behind it.

“When people started to believe in it, we knew — this could be big.” — James Ambani

Empowerment that lasts

Today, Ambani Fish Leather employs around twenty people from the region — most of them women — across two production sites. Many had no formal education, no steady income, no voice. Now, they cut, dye, and craft fish leather into accessories, bags, shoes, and jewelry — earning their own income for the very first time.

“It’s not just about products. It’s about giving people a future.” — Ira Ambani

From Lake Turkana to the world — and to SoRarePieces

Together with SoRarePieces, the story continues. We are proud to share Ambani Fish Leather — not only because their pieces are beautiful and handcrafted, but because they stand for creativity born from scarcity, and hope that endures.

A fish-leather bracelet is more than an accessory. It’s a symbol — of renewal, resilience, and the quiet courage to create change where it’s needed most. Each Ambani Fish Leather piece carries the mark of its origin: unique textures, bold patterns, and the unmistakable feel of transformation.