Category County News

About 50 youth from Faza Settlement in Lamu East are set to benefit from 45 day training programme under the KISIP 2/NYOTA Project aimed at empowering young people with skills for self reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

The trainers were officially handed over and introduced to the youth during a meeting held at Faza Social Hall in the presence of the Settlement Executive Committee (SEC) and Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) chairpersons.

Ahead of the programme rollout, the County Project Coordination Team together with the National Sub County Youth Officer conducted field visits within Faza Settlement to meet the selected beneficiaries and assess preparedness for the training exercise.

Speaking during the engagement, the trainer Fatma Ali Bunu, expressed their commitment to delivering impactful and engaging training throughout the 45 day period.

The programme will focus on equipping beneficiaries with practical skills, nurturing talent, and empowering youth to become economically independent.

Among those present during the exercise were Environmental Safeguard Officer Gabriel Ngige and Lamu East Sub County Youth Officer James Njenga, among other officials.

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For more information, contact:

Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

The Lamu County Department of Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment has concluded a three day capacity building workshop aimed at strengthening the tourism sector through enhanced skills in service excellence, sustainable tourism, and digital marketing.

The workshop, held at Lamu Polytechnic, brought together tourism stakeholders and was facilitated by trainers from the Technical University of Mombasa.

Speaking during the closing session, CECM Tourism, Culture,Trade and Investment, Aisha Miraj reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector through continuous capacity building and stakeholder collaboration.

She announced plans by the county government to establish a cultural centre in Lamu that will showcase different aspects of the county’s rich cultural heritage and way of life.

The centre is expected to serve as a platform for preserving and promoting Lamu’s cultural identity while enhancing tourism experiences.

The CECM also encouraged tourism stakeholders to form and join cooperatives within their respective sectors, noting that organized groups would have better opportunities to access loans, grants, and other economic empowerment programs.

Chief officer Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment Joyce Murimi, emphasized the importance of collaboration in implementing sustainable tourism practices aimed at protecting Lamu’s heritage, strengthening the local economy, and safeguarding the environment, culture, and future generations.

Participants who successfully completed the training were awarded certificates in recognition of their participation and commitment to improving service delivery and professionalism within the tourism sector.

Also in attendance were Director for Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment Ali Ahmed, Swahili Heritage Expert Mbarak Abdulkadir and other officials from the department

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

Cotton farmers across Lamu County are set for improved yields and renewed optimism after receiving 3 tonnes of BT cotton seeds, in a major agricultural intervention aimed at reviving the sector.

‎The breakthrough has been made possible through a joint initiative between the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and the County Government of Lamu, working together to restore cotton farming and strengthen agricultural productivity across key farming zones.

‎Speaking during the launch at Mpeketoni ATC on Thursday morning, Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj said the county government will continue strengthening collaboration with AFA and investors to expand agricultural opportunities under Governor Issa Timamy, noting that agriculture remains central to Lamu’s economic transformation.

‎AFA Chairperson Hon. Cornelly Serem who led AFA top officials, announced that cotton seed support will be scaled up from 3 tonnes to 9 tonnes in the next planting season as part of efforts to expand production and support more farmers. He appreciated farmers and the county government for ensuring Lamu produces over 60% of cotton nationwide. The support package included 3 tonnes of BT cotton seeds, 10,000 bixa seedlings, 10,500 bottles of pesticides, and 16 motorized sprayer machines for cooperatives, all valued at KSh 20 million.

‎CECM for Agriculture Hon. James Gichu highlighted that the introduction of BT cotton by AFA is helping address long-standing challenges of access to quality seeds, a key barrier to productivity. He further noted the collaboration between AFA and the County Government of Lamu continues to strengthen agriculture as a key driver of rural incomes and economic growth.

‎The initiative aligns with Governor Issa Timamy’s broader agenda to position Lamu as a food basket for the region.

‎Farmers and cooperative leaders who attended the launch at Mpeketoni ATC welcomed the programme, describing it as a timely intervention to revive cotton farming in the region.

‎Also in attendance was Hon. Julius Ndegwa, Managing Director Thika Cloth Mills, Tejal Dodhia, Makueni ginners among others.

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

Lake Kenyatta Farmers Cooperative Society in Hongwe has received a major agricultural boost following the official launch of the first-ever seed pressing machine at the cooperative.

The facility, donated by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) in partnership with the County Government of Lamu is expected to significantly enhance value addition in the region’s agricultural sector.

The installation marks a key milestone in efforts to transition farmers from raw production to processing, enabling them to produce biodiesel and other by-products, including animal feed, which remains in short supply nationally.

Speaking during the launch, Lamu Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj urged farmers to fully embrace the factory, noting that value addition remains central to increasing income and creating employment opportunities.

He emphasized that processed products such as biodiesel fetch higher market value compared to raw produce, and encouraged farmers to scale up production to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the facility.

Dr. Bahjaj also announced that the County Government of Lamu, in partnership with a private investor, is set to establish a bixa processing factory as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains under Governor Issa Timamy’s administration.

AFA Chairman Hon. Cornel Serem highlighted that the seed pressing machine will enable farmers to produce biodiesel and other by-products, including animal feeds, helping address shortages in the livestock sector. He encouraged farmers to submit proposals for support, assuring them of continued AFA backing provided production levels are sustained.

He further reaffirmed AFA’s commitment to working closely with farmers and county governments to enhance agricultural productivity and value addition across the country.

Lamu County Agriculture CECM Hon. Gichu called on farmers to join cooperatives and fully embrace value addition initiatives. He noted that the Department of Agriculture will continue collaborating with partners to strengthen the sector, adding that such investments will play a key role in job creation and rural economic empowerment.

Farmers present expressed appreciation to the leadership of the county government under Governor Issa Timamy, commending ongoing efforts to transform agriculture through strategic investments and partnerships.

In attendance were Hon. Julius Ndegwa, representatives from Makueni Ginners, Managing Director of Thika Cloth Mills Tejal Dodhia, among others.

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

The Lamu County Department of Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment has continued its capacity building workshop aimed at strengthening the tourism sector by equipping stakeholders with essential skills in service excellence, sustainable tourism, and digital marketing.

The training, is being facilitated by trainers from the Technical University of Mombasa at Lamu Polytechnic.

During the sessions, participants were encouraged by a Swahili heritage expert,vMbarak Abdulkadir, to maintain high standards of cleanliness and professionalism, as well as to develop a solid understanding of the history and background of local attractions and monument sites.

The initiative underscores the county’s commitment to enhancing the quality of tourism services and promoting sustainable growth within the sector.

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

The Lamu County Department of Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment has organized a three day capacity building workshop aimed at empowering tourism stakeholders with key skills in service excellence, sustainable tourism, and digital marketing.

The training is taking place at Lamu Polytechnic and is being facilitated by trainers from the Technical University of Mombasa.

While officially opening the workshop, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment, Aisha Miraj, underscored the importance of continuous learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among stakeholders in the tourism sector.

She emphasized that in a rapidly evolving global tourism landscape, equipping local players with relevant skills is essential to remain competitive.

Miraj noted that the department remains committed to strengthening the tourism sector through targeted capacity building programs and strategic initiatives.

She also urged stakeholders to preserve and promote Lamu’s rich cultural heritage, describing it as a unique asset that distinguishes the county as a premier tourism destination.

Also in attendance were Chief Officer for Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment Joyce Murimi, Director Ali Ahmed, and other officials from the department.

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

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.

– Mwisho –

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