Business was low for most beach operators in Mombasa as holiday makers stayed away from the beaches over the Easter weekend. The beaches were almost empty unlike in previous years when they were crowded with thousands of visitors.

Jomo Kenyatta public beach photographer Kimeu Mutuku said he hardly had any business over the weekend.

"There are not many people at the beach. Yesterday (Saturday) was also the same. People are avoiding places where there are many people gathered," said Mutuku.

Another photographer Vincent Otieno said he chose to stay away from the beach and enjoy his Easter with his family as he had predicted that there would be hardly any business this year.

According to most photographers at the beach, on a good day, one would make between Sh5,000 and Sh7,000 but this time they had to make do with between Sh1,000 and Sh2,000.

The two said the twin Mtwapa and Tononoka blasts that rocked Mombasa and Kilifi counties some two weeks ago are to blame for the poor business.

Coast police boss Aggrey Adoli last week said security would be tightened at the Coast and warned residents against going to places where there would be huge gatherings.

A Kenya Police chopper on Friday commissioned to patrol the whole of Coast and has been making rounds especially at night.

However, Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association chairman Mohamed Hersi said though the beaches wwere not overcrowded as has been the case in the past, business for the hotels has still been good.