County Government of Lamu

TEACHERS’ CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING, 2022, BEGINS; ENSURING EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Over 100 ECDE leaders and teachers drawn from across the county attended the first introductory face-to-face session for the ongoing professional learning program, 2022 this Friday, January 28th 2022 at the Royal Park Hotel in Mpeketoni.

The Lamu County Government’s Department of Education, in collaboration with the Agha Khan Foundation, is launching the program to improve teaching excellence in Lamu by investing in teachers’ professional development.

CECM Education Hon. Paul Thairu, HSC, speaking when he officially launched the program, lauded the partnership with the Agha Khan Foundation, saying it greatly complements the County Government’s ongoing efforts to uplift the Lamu Community through universal access to quality education. He terms the program as vital because it will discover and develop high-quality teachers who are committed to children’ overall development as well as their own professional development as excellent teachers.

“The provision of professional development will aid in the establishment of a professional community of capable, well-resourced teachers. A capable workforce that will aid Governor Fahim Twaha’s vision of universal access to high-quality education. Since devolution, the County Government has successfully developed the largest education fund, ensuring that education is accessible to all . This will help to ensure our children enjoy the best quality education as well. ” Hon Thairu stated

The teachers are divided into three groups, each with 30 participants, to get training in the areas of language, numeracy (mathematics), and leadership. The best six performers in each area will be elevated to the position of trainers.

The one-year scholarship program comprises of programs for teachers in a variety of academic areas, as well as specialized programs concentrating on education-related skills and understandings.

It will also work to improve teachers’ professional competency by improving their topic knowledge and examining how to successfully teach their subject. Each program alternates between intensive learning activities and a prolonged time of assisted application and observation in the tachers’ own classrooms.

The shortlisted teachers will be facilitated by the Agha Khan Academy Mombasa and will continue with the sessions via distance learning and learning walks by the facilitators in the schools.

In attendance were representatives of The Agha Khan Foundation, British Council and Canadian Embassy; as well as Dr. Joseph Ng’ang’a, Chief Officer Youth and Sporting, Mr. Peter Ndichu, County Director of Sports, Mr. Kassim Mohamed County Youth Coordinator, Senior Sports Officer Mr. Abubakar Abubakar, and other senior officials from the County Department of Education.

_Ends_

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government’s Communications Office @

info@lamu.go.ke

CONGRATULATIONS! GOVERNOR FAHIM TWAHA RE-ELECTED AS CoG’s BLUE ECONOMY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

H.E Governor Fahim Twaha has got a second nod as the Council of Governors Technical Committee Chairman on Blue Economy.

H.E. Twaha was one of 18 Governors elected to lead the Council of Governors’ (CoG) Committees during the CoG’s leadership elections held at the Tamarind hotel in Nairobi yesterday January 27, 2022.

Since the inception of the CoG Blue Economy Committee in 2021, Governor Fahim has shepherded the Blue Growth Agenda between counties and the national government, specifically the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and employment.

Governor Twaha stated after the elections that his Committee will bring together key players at the county and national level to restructure long-standing legacy policies in order to produce sustainable solutions for the local and national fishing sector that include: Increasing local fishermen’s capacity for deep sea fishing; development of fishing infrastructure in counties, fishing fleets, fish processing plants, aquaculture and fisheries legislation.

H.E. Governor Martin Wambora was also re-elected as the Council of Governors Chair, with H.E. James Ongwae as Vice Chairman and H.E. Eng Alex Tolgos as the CoG Whip.

Other elected Committee chair persons include;

1. Health Committee- H.E Hon. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, EGH

2. Agriculture Livestock and Cooperatives- H.E Dr. James Nyoro Karanja

3. Water, Forestry and Natural Resource Management Committee- H.E Francis Thuita Kimemia, EGH, CBS, HSC

4. Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs Committee- H.E Hon. Ndiritu Muriithi

5. Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Committee- H.E Prof. Paul Kiprono Chepkwony, EGH

6. Legal, Constitutional Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Committee- H.E Hon. Kiraitu Murungi, EGH

7. Education Committee- H.E Edward Mutahi Kahiga

8. Human Resources and Labour Committee- H.E Hon. Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati

9. Energy, Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Committee- H.E Hon. Prof. John Krop Lonyangapuo, CBS

10. Trade, Industry, Manufacturing and Enterprise Development Committee- H.E Hon. Charity Kaluki Ngilu,EGH

11. Land, Housing and Urban Development Committee- H.E Hon. Lee Maiyani Kinyanjui

12. Environment and Climate Change Committee- H.E Dr. Wilber Ottichillo

13. Gender, Youth, Culture, Sports and Social Services Committee- H.E Anne Waiguru, EGH,OGW

14. Tourism and Wildlife Committee- H.E Samuel Ole Tunai

15. Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) and Disaster Management Committee – H.E Cpt. Ali Roba

16. Security and Foreign Affairs- H.E Dr. Maj. (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana

17. Information, Communication and Technology Committee- H.E Jackson Mandago

Kenya is prioritizing the repositioning of the Blue Economy as an enabler of the Vision 2030 economic roadmap.

If properly utilized, Kenya’s Blue Economy and its 142,400 square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone have the potential to contribute three times the country’s current proportion of GDP.

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For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at

info@lamu.go.ke

INVESTING IN QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE

Young learners at Tewa, Muungano, Muhamarani and Mugumoini will soon enjoy Early Child Education Centers (ECDEs) closer home following Lamu County’s project handover to awarded contractors.

The four ECDEs are part of the seven that will be commissioned this year by the Department of Education.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Muhamarani, Education CECM Hon Paul Thairu, HSC said that education is at the center of Governor Fahim Twaha’s social transformation approach and the need to lay a solid and lifelong foundation for the County’s next generation of children aged 4-5 years.

“Because the first six years of life are the most crucial for human growth, it’s no surprise that a county’s progress is judged by the quality of schooling its children enjoy. The administration of Governor Fahim Twaha has made significant investments in child education during their formative years in the last four years.” Hon. Thairu stated

“Our strategic goal has been to ensure that these young ones learn in a safe setting, receive quality education by hiring trained ECDE teachers, and providing teaching aids, chairs, and tables,” he added.

A total of 28 ECDEs have so far been built in the last four financial years, and seven more will be built this financial year.

6 ECDEs were built in the 2017-18 financial year at Bobo in Hindi Ward, Ndambwe at Mkunumbi Ward, Sese at Hongwe Ward, Kizingitini Girls at Faza Ward and at Amkeni and Pangani at Witu Ward.

In the 2018-19 financial year, the County built the Ishakani ECDE in Kiunga Ward.

In 2019-2020 financial year, 13 ECDEs were built at Siyu in Faza Ward, Mangu, Sikomani, Lake Kenyatta and Lumshi in Bahari Ward; Mikinduni and Kizuke in Mkunumbi, Tangeni and Thakuthaku in Witu Ward; Bomani and Jipendeni in Hongwe Ward, Hindi in Hindi Ward Upendo ECDE in Bahari Ward and Mararani in Shela Ward.

In the 2020-21 financial year, 8 ECDEs were completed at Bahari, Sinambio and Jericho in Hongwe Ward; India in Mkomani Ward, Kakathe in Witu Ward, Shekale in Mkunumbi Ward, Milimani in Basuba Ward and Kizingitini in Faza Ward.

Beyond infrastructural development, the County has employed over 112 ECDE teachers, with 80% of them already promoted to the next job group. There are over 4,000 chairs and 1300 tables, as well as KSh 5 Million worth of learning resources sent to each of the 145 ECDEs across the county last financial year .

MCA Mkunumbi Ward Paul Kimani, Representative of the MCA Bahari Ward Anthony Njomo, Mr. Athman, ECDE Coordinator, and Mr. Edwin Karanja, Quantity Surveyor accompanied Hon Thairu for the site handover .

_Ends_

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at info@lamu.go.ke

DAY2; HINDI WARD FOOD DRIVE

More than 1,770 Hindi ward households received food aid today as part of the continuing County relief food drive to cushion residents against the effects of drought.

Among the areas covered include; Safirisi, Ungu, Mkunguni, Kiongoni, Ndeu, Kibokoni, Saba A and Saba B, Kaudhara, Belebele, Visima Nzale, Mkondoni, Sinambio among others.

The County Government’s food drive, which began in late 2021 in response to a prolonged drought, has so far covered six wards including Witu, Hongwe, Bahari, Mkunumbi, Basuba and Hindi.

The initiative will resume in Mokowe town in Hindi ward next week before moving on to Faza ward, Kiunga ward, Mkomani Ward and Shela ward with approximately 32,000 families targeted by the end of the exercise.

Senior County officials led the activity, including CECM Education, Hon. Paul Thairu, HSC, CECM Trade, Hon. Josephat Musembi, CECM Health, Dr. Anne Gathoni, COS Mr. Mohammed Bute, and County Secretary, Mr. John Mburu.

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Story by : Sadik Mulei

For more information Contact Communications Office@ info@lamu.go.ke

CS MUNYA TOURS LAMU PORT’S LIVESTOCK EXPORT HANDLING INFRASTRUCTURE

Hon. Peter Munya, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, is touring the projected Export Livestock Marshaling Yard at Lamu Port and the Bargoni Pre-export Quarantine Area, which would be utilized to export livestock to other parts of the world.

The State Department for Livestock (SDL) intends to establish a Livestock Disease-Free Compartment in Lamu County, develop a marshalling yard at Lamu Port and a bio-secured holding facility for livestock finishing at Bargoni Holding Ground in collaboration with Kenya Ports Authority.

The Witu Satellite Laboratory’s facilities and accompanying infrastructure will also be upgraded to provide diagnostic services to the manufacturers.

CS Munya explained during a meeting with local leaders that the recent Lamu Port has designated space and infrastructure for handling live animals for export, as opposed to the major port of Mombasa, which does not.

“Lamu port will have a specific section for handling live animals that are ready to be exported. This port will serve as Kenya’s new livestock export hub” CS Munya stated.

Hon. Fahima Araphat, OGW, speaking on behalf of H.E Fahim Twaha, CECM Fisheries Agriculture and Livestock, emphasized the project’s advantages to the Lamu people, applauding the State Department of Livestock for maintaining inclusive participation of all stakeholders throughout the process.

“Lamu County is rich in livestock resources, with over 30 pastoralist settlements and proximity to important animal production hubs including Tana River, Wajir, Garissa, and Kajiado. The existence of the facility in Lamu will provide better prices for local pastoralists’ animals, as well as job opportunities for our youth at Quarantine facilities and the Marshaling Yard,”Hon. Fahima stated.

She continued, “Our farmers can now plant and sell pasture as hay to feed animals in quarantine and on ship transit. Our infrastructure, including water services will improve.

“Governor Fahim Twaha’s administration, according to Hon. Fahima, is committed to the program, she however, maintains that, in light of the recent spate of attacks in the county, it is critical for the Ministry of Lands to fast track issuance of title deeds .

On behalf of H.E Governor Twaha, Hon. Fahima received Hon. Munya, Principal Secretary State Department for Livestock Harry Kimutai and the Chief Administrative Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Lawrence Omuhakha.

Other leaders present included Lamu West MP Hon. Stanely Muthama,Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia, Hongwe MCA Hon James Komu, LAPSSET regional manager Salim Buni, among others.

Ends.

Story by Patrick Ochieng

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office @ info@lamu.go.ke

YOU WILL GET YOUR TITLE DEEDS SOON; GOVERNOR FAHIM TWAHA ASSURES HINDI RESIDENTS

Governor Fahim Twaha has assured residents of Hindi Ward that Lamu County is working round the clock with the National Government to fast track issuance of their title deeds.

This follows the completion of the survey process by Lamu County Government for most land occupied by squatters, stated Governor Fahim.

He was speaking to residents of Hindi town and Roka village in Hindi Ward, when he led a delegation of senior County officials in the ongoing relief food distribution drive to cushion residents against effects of drought.

Governor Twaha condoled with the families that were affected by the recent spate of attacks assuring them of continued support by the County Government to help heal and rebuild their lives .

“We will walk this journey together to rebuild our lives, our unity and cohesion as a Lamu community. I will follow up to see to it that these affected families are able to heal and get back on their feet, ” said Governor Fahim.

He also thanked the National Government for helping restore peace and order through the ongoing multi-agency operation that led to the neutralization of 15 terror suspects earlier this week.

“Kenya has a functional Government and we shall always defeat enemies that want to disturb peace in our country,” said Governor Twaha.

Over 1,800 Hindi town and Roka village Households received food aid as part of the ongoing initiative by the County Government to cushion them against effects of drought.

In attendance were:

County Executive Committee Members Hon. CECM Health Ann Gathoni, Hon. Josphat Musembi, CS Mr. John Mburu, COS Mr. Mohamed Bute.

-Ends-

Story by: Sadik Mulei

For more information contact communications office at;

info@lamu.go.ke

TRAINING FOR HINDI ZONE ECDE TEACHERS ON COMPETENCY BASED CURRICULUM

Over 32 ECDE teachers from schools in Hindi zone are currently undergoing training on how to interpret the Competency Based Curriculum designs,develop professional documents and assessment tools to asses learners’ progress .

The purpose of the training is to equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement the CBC using inquiry based leaning approach.

Governor Fahim Twaha is committed to ensure ECDE centres in Lamu County provide quality education through infrastructural support, supply of teaching and learning aids as well as quality training for the teachers.

The project is chaired by Abdalla Ahmed, the Lamu County Government’s Chief Officer of Education, and is facilitated by the Lamu County Government through the Department of Education in collaboration with World Vision International.

Chief officers drawn from all County departments have concluded a two-day program on Public Finance Management organized by the department of Finance, Planning and Budgeting.

The program conducted by facilitators from the Kenya School of Government is part of an induction Training to familiarize County Chief Officer’s on a number of Issues pertinent to them in the implementation of their Function as Accounting and Authorized Officers.

Some of the areas covered included:

-Public Sector Financial Management Concept

-Government Budgeting Process, Policy, Planning, and Budget Linkages

-Public Procurement and Asset Disposal

-Risk Management Policy, Mapping, and Procedures

-Human resource and cross-cutting concerns

-Budget presentation and financial reporting including financial reporting framework and prescribed financial reporting templates, among others.

Speaking during the workshop held at the Lamu TVET, CECM Finance, Planning and Budgeting, Hon. Abdul Godana termed the training as a critical tool for a robust public finances which translates to effective government .

“Transparent, equitable and accountable expenditure and appropriate management and monitoring systems of public finance is any government’s pillar in delivery of its agenda . This is timely especially following the appointment and reshuffle of the County Chief Officers” Said Hon. Godana

The Chief officers present included;

Chief Officer finance, Fadhili M. Ali

Chief Officer Budgeting Salma Omar

Chief Officer PSMA Malika Omar

Chief Officer Health Dr. Victor Tole

Chief Officer Trade Atwah Salim

Chief Officer Municipality Alex Jimbi

Chief Officer Infrastructure Joshua M Nduvoi

Chief Officer Fisheries Abdulfatah Hassan

Chief Officer Lands Said Bwanamkuu

Chief Officer Education Abdalla Ahmed

Also present was former CECM Finance, Ahmed Hemed, Chairman Public service Board, Mr. Abdalla Fadhili, Acting director Finance, Mohamed Abas, Director Human Resource, Paul Waluba, Director Procurement, Salat Swaleh and Members of the Public service Board .

-Ends-

Story by: Adam Musa

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at info@lamu.go.ke

THE 2022 CHAPTER OF THE COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP AND BURSARY PROGRAM KICKS OFF ENABLING EDUCATION FOR ALL.

Governor Fahim Twaha’s administration through the County Bursary and Scholarships Board has begun disbursing funds from its secondary school bursary and scholarship program for the current fiscal year.

The activity began on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at the Witu Mjini Secondary School in Witu ward, where over 723 students were presented with a cheque worth KSH 4,315,550.

Ms Maliha Mohamed, CEO of the Lamu Bursary Board, is directing the effort, which aims to cover all secondary schools across the county. This is one of Governor Fahim Twaha’s key priorities, which aims to empower the Lamu community by providing equal access to education to all.

The Bursary and Scholarship Board covered about 2,800 students in eleven secondary schools in Witu, Hongwe, Mkunumbi, and Bahari Wards on the first day of the exercise, including:

– 228 students in Bomani secondary school, amount KSH 1,364,750

– 701 students in Hongwe secondary school amount KSH 4,014,225

– 34 Students at Kibaoni royal secondary school, amount KSH 328,000

– 231 students in Majembeni secondary school, amount KSH 1,368,560

– 71 Students in Coast arid secondary school, amount KSH 423,550

-279 students in Witu secondary school amount KSH 2,603,570

– 40 students in Moa secondary school, amount KSH 233,900

– 98 Students at Mpeketoni girls secondary school, amount KSH 588,000

– 723 students at Witu mjini secondary school, amount KSH 4,315,550

– 194 Students at Lake kenyatta secondary school, amount KSH 1,137,480

– 104 students at Bakanja secondary school, amount KSH 1,020,030

Over 2,100 students from around the county with a KCPE score of 300 or higher are receiving a full scholarship from the county; this is four times the number of students who qualified when the initiative began in 2018/19.

Another 8,500 secondary pupils in boarding schools and day schools who did not attain a score of 300 or higher will receive Sh10,000 in boarding schools and Sh6,000 in day schools.

Over 2,200 students in colleges and universities, as well as another 4,000 in local TVETS, will be covered in higher education.

Governor Fahim Twaha has established the largest education fund since devolution began, with Ksh. 250 million in scholarships and bursaries distributed across the county last financial year, up from Ksh. 40 million in 2017. Lamu’s Education Scholarship & Bursaries Fund has so far assisted over 7,000 worthy students in completing high school, colleges, and universities.

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at info@lamu.go.ke

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