Category County News

Students across Lamu County are set to benefit from bursaries and scholarships following the successful amendment of the Lamu County Bursary and Scholarship Act, 2026.

The move aligns the county with directives from the Controller of Budget, paving the way for the release and disbursement of funds to learners.

The amended law, signed on April 24, 2026 by Governor Issa Timamy, addresses compliance requirements and removes previous bottlenecks that had delayed the issuance of bursaries, paving the way for timely disbursement of funds to eligible students across Lamu County.

The milestone was achieved through collaboration between the Lamu County Government and the County Executive, led by the Department of Education, ensuring the bursary programme meets national financial regulations and upholds accountability.

The development underscores a key commitment of Governor Issa Timamy’s administration to strengthen access to education and invest in the future of Lamu’s youth. County officials have confirmed that the disbursement process will commence shortly.

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For more information, contact the Communication Office at communication@lamu.go.ke

Youth drawn from five informal settlements are set to begin a transformative 45 day training program under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project Phase Two, with sessions expected to commence very soon.

Ahead of the rollout, National Project Coordination Team and County project Coordination team conducted a series of field visits across the five settlements,meeting the selected youth in their respective areas of Witu, Mokowe, Matondoni, Wiyoni and Faza.

The visits allowed for a smooth handover process and the official introduction of trainers, ensuring that participants are well prepared before the training begins.

During the engagements the officer, outlined the structure of the program, expectations, and key focus areas, while emphasizing the importance of discipline and active participation.

Deputy Director for Youth Development under the NYOTA Programme Christine Flora Wanjira, highlighted that the initiative aims to equip youth with practical life and employability skills, strengthen resilience, and unlock economic opportunities at the grassroots level.

The trainers expressed their readiness to deliver impactful and engaging sessions throughout the 45 day period, with a focus on nurturing talent and empowering participants to become self reliant.

Once underway, the program is expected to significantly contribute to youth empowerment and sustainable community development.

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For more information, contact:Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

Naibu Gavana wa Kaunti ya Lamu, Dkt. Mbarak M. Bahjaj, hapo Jana ametembelea Shule ya Wadhajir Kilimani pamoja na Safirisi katika eneo bunge la Lamu Magharibi, ambako alifanya mazungumzo na walimu na kukagua maendeleo ya mradi wa kisima unaoendelea shuleni humo.

Mradi huo wa kisima unafadhiliwa na shirika la Helping Hand Charitable Organization kwa ushirikiano na afisi ya Naibu Gavana Daktari. Bahajaj, na unatarajiwa kukamilika ndani ya wiki moja ijayo.

Kazi zinazotekelezwa ni pamoja na uwekaji wa tanki la kuhifadhia maji na usambazaji kupitia mabomba matatu yatakayosaidia upatikanaji wa maji safi kwa urahisi.

Akizungumza wakati wa ziara hiyo, Dkt. Bahjaj alisisitiza dhamira na malengo ya utawala wa Gavana Issa Timamy katika kuboresha mazingira ya kujifunzia kwa wanafunzi kote Kaunti ya Lamu.

Alieleza kuwa upatikanaji wa maji safi utasaidia kumaliza changamoto ya uhaba wa maji mashuleni, kuimarisha programu za lishe shuleni, pamoja na kuboresha viwango vya usafi kwa wanafunzi na walimu.

Aidha, Naibu Gavana alibainisha kuwa ofisi yake itaendelea kushirikiana na wadau mbalimbali kuhakikisha shule zinapata vifaa vya kujifunzia pamoja na huduma muhimu kama maji safi, kwa lengo la kuinua ubora wa elimu katika kaunti hiyo.

Ziara hiyo ni sehemu ya juhudi zinazoendelea za serikali ya kaunti kuhakikisha kila mwanafunzi anapata mazingira salama na bora ya kujifunzia.

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Kwa maelezo zaidi, wasiliana na:

Ofisi ya Mawasiliano

Barua pepe: communication@lamu.go.ke

The Deputy Governor of Lamu County on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the proposed 15-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project on the Lamu Island Wastewater-to-Energy & Blue-Carbon initiative.

The project, presented by Water Tree Foundation in collaboration with Hycura and SeraDelis Waste Management Limited, seeks to improve sustainable waste management by converting wastewater and solid waste into clean energy and gas. The project also includes mangrove restoration components aimed at enhancing blue carbon capture and strengthening coastal resilience across Lamu Island and the mainland.

During the meeting, it was noted that the proposal remains under review and has not been approved for implementation. The Department of Public Health was directed to undertake a technical assessment to determine feasibility and ensure alignment with the County Integrated Development Plan and environmental standards.

The discussions linked the proposal to Governor Issa Timamy’s development agenda, particularly in advancing sustainable waste management, renewable energy solutions, and the blue economy for environmental protection and improved livelihoods.

The county government reiterated its commitment to supporting viable and environmentally sound innovations that contribute to long-term sustainable development in Lamu.

For more information, contact the Communication Office at communication@lamu.go.ke

The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project Phase Two, in partnership with the NYOTA Programme, has successfully completed a two day induction training for Social Emotional Skills Trainers in Lamu County.

The training, held at Lamu Youth Polytechnic, brought together selected trainers and assistant trainers under the Social Emotional Skills Training Programme.

The induction aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and tools required to effectively deliver social emotional learning sessions to youth beneficiaries across KISIP 2 implementation sites in Witu, Mokowe, Matondoni, Wiyoni, and Faza.

Organized by the KISIP 2 National Team, the NYOTA Project Management Unit (PMU), and the KISIP County Team, the training also included participation from Settlement Executive Committee (SEC) members and Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) chairpersons from the targeted settlements.

The sessions were led by Christine Flora Wanjira, Deputy Director for Youth Development under the NYOTA Programme, who also issued training tools and materials to the trainers and assistant trainers.

The Social Emotional Skills Training Programme forms part of ongoing efforts under KISIP 2 to strengthen youth capacity, support personal development, and enhance community resilience across informal settlements in Lamu County.

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For more information, contact:Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

The Deputy Governor of Lamu County, H.E. Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj, today engaged bodaboda riders

in Mokowe and Mpeketoni towns during a sensitization exercise on road safety and compliance with traffic regulations.

The outreach, conducted in collaboration with officials from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), aimed to promote responsible riding practices and enhance safety among motorcycle operators across the county.

Speaking during the interaction, the Deputy Governor encouraged riders to form or join cooperatives, noting that such groups would enable them to access financial support, training opportunities, and other resources that can improve their livelihoods.

Dr. Bahajaj, emphasized that cooperative membership also gives riders a stronger collective voice when engaging stakeholders and pursuing economic empowerment opportunities.

In an encouraging gesture during the impromptu visit, the Deputy Governor distributed free reflector jackets to bodaboda riders, courtesy of the NTSA.

The reflective gear is expected to enhance rider visibility on the roads, particularly at night, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

The sensitization exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the County Government and national agencies to promote road safety awareness and support the bodaboda sector, which plays a vital role in local transport and economic activities within Lamu County.

Also in attendance was the Head of Disaster and Emergency Response Unit, Mr. Iftikhar Majid, alongside other county and national government officials.

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For more information, contact:Communications OfficeEmail: communication@lamu.go.ke

The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project Phase Two (KISIP 2) in partnership with the NYOTA Programme has conducted an induction training for trainers and assistant trainers under the Social Emotional Skills Training Programme at Lamu Youth Polytechnic.

The induction aimed to equip selected trainers and assistant trainers with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for the effective delivery of social emotional learning sessions to youth beneficiaries enrolled under KISIP 2 implementing sites in Witu, Mokowe, Matondoni, Wiyoni, and Faza.

The training, organized by the KISIP 2 National Team, NYOTA Project Management Unit (PMU), and the KISIP County Team, also brought together Settlement Executive Committee (SEC) members and Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) chairpersons from the respective settlements.

In her opening remarks, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Hon. Tashrifa Bakari, urged trainers and their assistants to take the training seriously and use the opportunity to empower fellow youth within their communities.

She further encouraged young people not to shy away from opportunities, noting that Lamu County presents numerous opportunities that youth should actively explore for personal growth and development.

The Social Emotional Skills Training Programme is part of ongoing efforts under KISIP 2 to strengthen youth capacity, promote personal development, and enhance community resilience across informal settlements in Lamu County.

The induction was also attended by Chief Officer for Lands Ahmed Ali, County KISIP 2 Project Coordinator Architect Omar Sagaff, Environmental Safeguard Officer Gabriel Ngige, among other county officials.

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For more information, contact:

Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy EGH, OGW has overseen the disbursement of over Ksh 12 million in inclusion grants under the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP) to cooperatives and SACCOs across six wards in Lamu West, marking a major milestone in the county’s efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and resilience.

The phase one rollout was conducted through engagements in Witu Ward, targeting grassroots agricultural institutions to enhance their capacity and service delivery.

The final disbursement took place in Witu Ward, where a total of Ksh 3.1 million was issued to four beneficiary institutions, including three cooperatives and one SACCO, to support their operations and expand agricultural activities.

Speaking during the engagements, Governor Timamy said his administration remains focused on strengthening grassroots economic structures through practical investments that directly benefit farmers.

“Our priority is to build strong and sustainable farmer institutions that can drive food security, improve incomes, and transform livelihoods across Lamu County,” said Governor Timamy.

Agriculture CECM Hon. James Gichu emphasized the importance of organization and registration among farmers to ensure effective access to government support programmes.

“We encourage farmers to organize themselves into formal groups. This is the surest way of accessing structured government support and unlocking opportunities that improve productivity and sustainability,” said the CECM.

The events were attended by Hon. Julius Ndegwa, Ward Administrators from Hongwe and Bahari wards, Project Coordinator Mr. Mbuvi, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir Issa, and other county officials.

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For more information contact communication office at communication@lamu.go.ke

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy EGH, OGW presided over the disbursement of Ksh 6.2 million in inclusion grants under the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP) to cooperatives and SACCOs across Hongwe, Bahari and Mkunumbi wards, during an event held at Mpeketoni ATC on Tuesday afternoon.

The phase one rollout brought together beneficiaries and county officials, marking a significant step in strengthening agricultural productivity and resilience within the three wards.

Cooperatives benefited from grants of Ksh 700,000 each to support their operations, while SACCOs received Ksh 1 million each to enhance their capacity and extend services to members.

Speaking during the event, Governor Timamy reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering organized farmer institutions, noting that such investments are key to improving food security and livelihoods across Lamu West.

Agriculture CECM Hon. James Gichu urged farmers to formally register, emphasizing that structured and registered entities are better positioned to access government programmes and funding opportunities.

He noted that the current disbursement marks phase one of the programme, with phase two expected to roll out soon to benefit more groups across the county.

Among those present were Hon. Julius Ndegwa, Ward Administrators from Hongwe and Bahari wards, Project Coordinator Mr. Mbuvi, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir Issa, and other county officials.

The grants form part of a broader initiative targeting cooperatives and SACCOs to build a more resilient and sustainable food system.

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For more information contact communication office at communication@lamu.go.ke

Farmers in Lamu West have received a major boost following the disbursement of over Ksh 12.4 million in inclusion grants under the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP), aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and resilience across the sub-county.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy EGH, OGW presided over the issuance of the phase one grants to cooperatives and SACCOs in various wards. In Mkomani Ward, one cooperative received Ksh 700,000 to support its operations and enhance agricultural activities. In Hindi Ward, a cooperative group and SACCOs received a cumulative Ksh 1.7 million to expand their capacity and improve service delivery.

Speaking during the launch at Hindi Command center, Governor Timamy underscored the County Government’s commitment to empowering grassroots agricultural institutions, noting that the grants will play a key role in improving food security and livelihoods across Lamu West.

Agriculture CECM Hon. James Gichu urged farmers to formally register in order to benefit from government programmes, emphasizing that proper registration will enhance access to support and funding opportunities. He further noted that the current disbursement marks phase one of the programme, with phase two expected to roll out soon to reach more beneficiaries.

The event was also attended by Hon. Julius Ndegwa, Ward Administrators from Hongwe and Bahari wards, Project Coordinator Mr. Mbuvi, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir Issa, and other senior county officials.

The grants form part of a broader initiative targeting cooperatives and SACCOs to improve resilience within food systems.

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For more information contact communication office at communication@lamu.go.ke