Category County News

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy EGH, OGW on Monday presided over the launch of a major fisheries support initiative aimed at boosting livelihoods and promoting sustainable fishing along the county’s coastline.

The programme, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with the Nairobi Convention under the SWIOFC–Nairobi Convention Project, has intensified support to local fishers through modern gear and capacity building.

Speaking during a high-level ceremony at the Lamu Maritime and Innovation Centre, the governor said the initiative will strengthen the county’s blue economy while safeguarding marine ecosystems.

Key interventions include the deployment of five Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) in Pemba Ndogo, training on long-line fishing, and the adoption of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries.

At the event, beneficiaries received 10 outboard engines, 50 cooler boxes, four solar-powered freezers, and fishing gear to reduce post-harvest losses and improve incomes across Lamu County.

Governor Timamy reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the blue economy as a key driver of sustainable livelihoods in Lamu County.

County top officials attended the event.

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

Week two of the digital training programme at Mokowe Headquarter is underway, with youth from Mkomani Ward gaining practical skills for the digital economy.

Led by Huawei Consultancies in partnership with the County Department of ICT and related sectors, the initiative aims to tackle youth unemployment and bridge the digital skills gap in rural areas.

Participants are being equipped for online work, entrepreneurship, and remote jobs, with many viewing the programme as a key step toward economic empowerment.

– Ends –

For more information, contact:

Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

Sixteen self help groups from Bahari, Hongwe, Mkunumbi, and Witu wards in Lamu West Sub County are set to scale up their climate smart enterprises after receiving additional funding under the Nature Based Solutions (NBS) programme.

The groups, which have been implementing projects such as beekeeping, tree nurseries, mangrove restoration, and sustainable fishing, were awarded a second tranche of KES 100,000 during a dummy cheque handover ceremony held in Mpeketoni.

This brings the total disbursement to KES 3.2 million.

Through the initiative, the beneficiaries have undergone training in small business development and successfully developed enterprise plans aligned with environmental conservation.

The groups were praised for adopting the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model, strengthening financial inclusion and resilience at the grassroots level.

Speaking during the ceremony, CECM Climate Change,ICT, Public Participation and Ea Government, Aisha Shariff, reaffirmed its support for initiatives that integrate climate action, innovation, and community empowerment.

She encourage the benefisheries to continue working together, remain accountable, and expand their impact as champions of climate action in their communities.

Partners behind the programme, including the Kenya Red Cross, World Wide Fund for Nature, and PPL Rotary, were commended for their collaboration in driving sustainable change.

Meanwhile, Kenya Red cross Society Head Region, Mohamed Abdikadir cautioned residents living in low lying areas to move to higher ground and maintain proper hygiene as heavy rains are expected.

Among those present were Mohamed Rajab, Lamu CoAbdulhakim Abdu, Noor Dahir, and Nassir Abubakar, among other stakeholders.

_Ends_

For more information, contact:

Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

Lamu Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak M. Bahjaj today joined Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers from Lamu Central during a workshop held at Lamu Boys Secondary School, aimed at improving classroom practices and enhancing the preschool learning environment.

Speaking during the session, Dr. Bahjaj applauded the teachers for their critical role in shaping the lives of young learners. He noted that ECD teachers serve as a vital second line of support for children, helping to nurture discipline and values at an early stage.

He added that a strong foundation in early education plays a key role in protecting future generations from societal challenges such as drug abuse and other negative influences.

The Deputy Governor also updated participants on ongoing development initiatives being implemented under Governor Issa Timamy’s administration. He revealed that the county government is currently undertaking the construction of more than 20 new ECD classrooms and playgrounds across different wards. In addition, he announced that learning materials will be distributed to schools starting next week to further support effective teaching and learning.

The workshop, which brought together teachers from Lamu Central, is supported by the Madrasa Early Childhood Program – Kenya, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Foundation. The programme focuses on strengthening early childhood education through capacity building and improved learning environments.

_Ends_

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

Residents of Witu are set to benefit from improved connectivity following the official site handover of Dide Waride Road and Moa Nagele Roads, marking a significant step in Lamu County’s ongoing infrastructure development agenda.

The handover, led by the County Department of Infrastructure, was met with excitement from members of the local community, many of whom have long grappled with poor road access. The project is expected to ease movement, enhance economic activity, and improve service delivery in the area.

Speaking after the exercise, Lands, Infrastructure and Urban Development CECM Hon. Tashrifa Mohamed noted that the initiative reflects the county’s commitment to addressing long-standing accessibility challenges in Witu and its environs.

“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for residents of Witu. For years, these communities have faced difficulties accessing essential services due to poor road networks. The opening and improvement of these roads will significantly change that,” she said.

Hon. Tashrifa commended the technical team, led by Chief Officer Alex, for their professionalism and dedication in ensuring the project reaches implementation stage.

The development forms part of a broader infrastructure transformation spearheaded by Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, whose administration has prioritized the expansion and maintenance of road networks across the county.

Ends

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

A significant milestone in the advancement of public health and sanitation was achieved today as 15 villages in Hindi Ward were officially declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). The event, presided over by H.E. Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj, marked a major step forward in improving hygiene standards and safeguarding community health.

The celebrations, held at Roka Kibiboni Primary School, brought together residents, public health officials, and development partners in a show of collective achievement and commitment to a healthier future.

Attaining ODF status means that all households in the 15 villages now have access to and consistently use proper sanitation facilities, effectively eliminating open defecation. This achievement is expected to significantly reduce the prevalence of sanitation-related diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea, which have long posed health risks in many rural communities.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Bahjaj commended the residents for embracing behavioral change and prioritizing hygiene, noting that community participation was key to the success of the initiative. He emphasized the County Government’s commitment to sustaining the gains and expanding similar programs to other areas.

Special recognition was given to Community Health Promoters (CHPs) for their dedication and tireless efforts in spearheading the initiative at the grassroots level. Their consistent community engagement, awareness campaigns, and follow-ups played a critical role in driving behavioral change and ensuring households adopted and maintained proper sanitation practices.

The milestone was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the County Department of Public Health, working closely with partners including the Kenya Red Cross Society and Water Fund. Their support ranged from community sensitization and training to technical assistance and resource mobilization.

_Ends_

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

Youth from Mkomani Ward are gaining valuable skills through a digital training programme designed to prepare them for employment in the fast growing digital economy.

The initiative, spearheaded by Huawei Consultancies through the department of climate change, ICT, public participation and e government marks a significant milestone in tackling youth unemployment and bridging the digital literacy gap in rural Kenya.

By equipping young people with practical digital skills, the programme aims to open up new opportunities in online work, entrepreneurship, and remote employment.

During a visit to the training facilities at Mokowe Headquarters, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Climate Change, ICT, Public Participation, and E-Government, Aisha Shariff, commended the initiative and encouraged participants to fully embrace the opportunity.

She emphasized the importance of digital skills in today’s job market and urged the youth to remain committed and innovative as they prepare for future careers.

The programme has attracted a growing number of young participants from the ward, many of whom see it as a pathway to economic empowerment.

_Ends_

For more information, contact:

Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

The County Government of Lamu, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society, has convened a three day stakeholders’ workshop aimed at developing a Policy Brief on Climate Change Action for the county.

The workshop, held at the Red Cross Conference Hall in Hindi, was officially opened by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Climate Change, ICT, Public Participation and E-Government, Aisha Shariff.

Speaking during the opening session, Shariff emphasized that climate change continues to pose serious challenges to communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods across Lamu County.

She noted that changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, flooding, and environmental degradation are already affecting several parts of the county.

She commended the Kenya Red Cross Society, Lamu County and its partners for organizing the timely engagement, noting that the development of a policy brief will provide an opportunity to consolidate knowledge, share experiences, and propose practical solutions to strengthen climate resilience.

Shariff highlighted the importance of integrating Nature Based Solutions into climate change planning and disaster risk management, describing them as sustainable approaches that help restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and enhance community resilience while addressing climate risks.

The CECM reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to strengthening climate governance through participatory approaches, evidence based decision making, and strategic partnerships.

She cited ongoing environmental initiatives, including restoration efforts around Lake Kenyatta, as evidence of the county’s dedication to protecting natural resources.

_Ends_

For more information, contact:

Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

The Municipality of Lamu Island has officially launched a Bodaboda Registration and Identification Issuance Exercise aimed at enhancing security, improving order, and strengthening regulation of motorcycle transport within the historic town.

The event, held at Lamu Polytechnic Hall, was officially launched by Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj, who was accompanied by senior county officials, officers from the National Police Service, and leaders from the Lamu Bodaboda Association.

Speaking during the launch, the Deputy Governor emphasized that the registration exercise is a critical step toward improving safety and restoring public confidence in the bodaboda transport sector, particularly within the busy heritage zones of Lamu Town.

The ongoing exercise focuses on issuing official photo identification cards to riders who had previously registered with the County Government, while also providing an opportunity for unregistered operators to enroll in the County database.

Further the Deputy Governor, noted that the introduction of official rider IDs and compliance stickers will help enhance security by making it easier to identify legitimate operators, thereby reducing crime risks and improving safety for residents and tourists visiting the historic island.

Additionally, the initiative is expected to improve accountability within the bodaboda sector by linking each rider to a recognized stage, strengthening discipline, and enhancing service standards.

Registered riders will also benefit from access to County empowerment opportunities, including training programs, loans, and insurance schemes.

The registration and ID issuance exercise will continue daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lamu Municipal Hall, including weekends, and is scheduled to conclude on May 4, 2026.

Authorities have warned that after the deadline, only riders with official County identification cards and compliance stickers will be permitted to operate within Lamu Island.

Joint enforcement operations involving County Inspectorate officers and Traffic Police will begin immediately after the closure of the registration period.

_Ends_

For more information, contact:

Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy on Saturday officially launched the Governor’s Cup tournament in Faza Ward, bringing together teams from all 10 wards across the county in a vibrant celebration of football and unity.

The tournament marks the first time the Governor’s Cup is being hosted in Lamu East, a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and expanding access to grassroots sports. The tournament, which brings together teams from all 10 wards in Lamu County, is anchored on the Governor’s vision of identifying and nurturing grassroots talent.

Host ward Faza has fielded two teams, while last year’s champions Witu have also been granted two slots to defend their title.

Participating teams are playing their matches in Kizingitini, Faza, Tchundwa, and Siyu, ensuring broad community participation and engagement across the region.

Speaking during the launch, Governor Timamy emphasized the importance of sports in promoting youth empowerment, talent development, and social cohesion. He noted that initiatives like the Governor’s Cup provide a platform for young people to showcase their skills while steering them away from negative influences.

The competition structure saw the knockout phase played on Saturday, with the semi-finals and final matches being held today, Sunday.

All final matches are taking place at Faza Secondary School grounds. The winning team will walk away with a grand prize of Ksh 500,000, highlighting the county government’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports.

Sports CECM Sebastian Owanga was present during the launch, together with Chief of Staff Abdulnasir Issa, underscoring the county leadership’s support for youth-focused initiatives.

_Ends_

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