Category County News

Residents of Jima village, past Pandanguo, are set to benefit from improved access to clean and reliable water following the county government’s announcement of a new solar powered water project under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Program (FLOCCA).

The proposed borehole site is located in Jima village near an elderly well that dates back to the colonial period, highlighting the area’s long history of water challenges.

The new initiative aims to modernize water access by installing solar powered boreholes and water distribution systems to serve households in both Jima and Pandanguo.

Speaking during the announcement, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT,Climate Change and E government, Aisha Shariff, said the project is designed to address long standing water shortages while promoting climate-resilient infrastructure.

“This initiative will not only provide clean and safe water but will also ensure sustainability through the use of solar energy,” she said. “Our goal is to bring water services closer to the people and reduce the burden on families, particularly women and children who often travel long distances in search of water.”

Once completed, residents are expected to access clean well water near their homes, significantly improving daily living conditions.

Community members have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the project will transform water access in the area and contribute to long term social and economic growth.

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

On Wednesday, the County Government of Lamu, in partnership with Thika Cloth Mill, officially opened a modern cotton collection store in Bahari Ward. The facility is designed to provide a central hub where local cotton farmers can sell their produce directly, ensuring better prices, reducing middlemen, and improving access to storage and grading facilities.

According to Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, the initiative is expected to boost farmers’ income, enhance cotton quality, and strengthen the county’s agro-based economy.

Governor Timamy also conducted an impromptu inspection of the cotton ginnery at Ziwani, Bahari Ward, to assess ongoing operations and ensure efficiency in processing.

Joining the Governor for the opening was his Deputy, HE. Dr. Mbarak Mohamed, Local Administrator Mr. Mwangi, Governor’s Political Advisor and Former MP Hon. Ndegwa, CoS Mr. Issa Abdulnasir, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas among other top county officials.

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

On Wednesday, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy EGH made an impromptu visit to inspect the ongoing construction of a cotton ginning factory at Ziwani in Bahari Ward, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding value addition and agro-processing across the county.

The factory is being established by Thika Cloth Mills and is expected to be completed by May this year. Once operational, it will boost cotton farming, create employment opportunities and enhance farmers’ incomes through local processing.

Speaking at the site, Governor Timamy said his government remains committed to supporting investments that unlock Lamu’s agricultural potential.

The Governor, who was accompanied by his Deputy H.E. Dr. Mbarak Mohamed, noted that a coconut processing plant in Mkunumbi Ward, a cashew nut factory in Hindi Ward and a fruit processing plant in Mkunumbi Ward are all part of his broader initiative to establish factories in Lamu for the first time since the advent of devolution.

Agriculture CECM Hon. James Gichu urged farmers to take advantage of the upcoming plants, adding that his department is working to ensure farmers receive better seed varieties this planting season.

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

Deputy Governor HE Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj this week held a reconciliatory meeting with communities affected by the recent loss of 53 cows in Witu Ward. The gathering brought together leaders and representatives from the Mijikenda, Kikuyu, and Orma communities to discuss the incident and chart a way forward.

Dr. Bahjaj assured residents that Governor Issa Timamy is committed to compensating families once assessments are complete. He noted that authorities are awaiting a toxicology report to determine the cause of the cattle deaths.

The Deputy Governor appealed to all communities to remain calm and uphold peace, emphasizing that unity is critical during this period. He encouraged dialogue and collaboration among the groups to prevent conflict.

He also highlighted the county’s long-term solution. The Lamu County Spatial Plan, which is nearing completion, includes designated grazing corridors to ensure farmers and livestock owners each have their space, reducing the likelihood of future disputes.

The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with community leaders expressing appreciation for the county government’s proactive approach in addressing the incident and supporting affected families.

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

The County Government of Lamu under the leadership of H.E. Issa Timamy, EGH, OGW, on Friday officially commissioned a modern coconut processing plant, marking a major milestone in advancing value addition and agro-industrial growth in the county.

The project was co-funded by Kentaste Products Limited and the Sustainable Urban Economic Development Programme (SUED), funded by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and managed by FSD Kenya.

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‎The plant is expected to provide a reliable market for more than 5,000 coconut farmers and create over 90 full-time jobs, particularly for youth and women. By processing coconuts locally into high-value products, the factory will retain more economic value within Lamu and strengthen the county’s position as a competitive agro-processing hub.

Governor Timamy said the investment reflects his administration’s commitment to industrialization, farmer empowerment, and sustainable economic transformation through strategic partnerships that convert county priorities into tangible development projects.

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‎The commissioning ceremony was attended by Diana Dalton, Deputy High Commissioner at the British High Commission; National Government representatives, County top leadership led by Hon. James Gichu, CECM for Agriculture; among others.

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

The County Government of Lamu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Technical University of Mombasa to strengthen maritime education, research, and innovation in support of the Blue Economy.

The signing ceremony, held at the Command Centre, was presided over by Governor Issa Timamy, EGH in the presence of Deputy Governor H.E. Dr. Mbarak Mohamed, County Executive Committee Member for Fisheries, Blue Economy, Livestock and Cooperatives Hon. Sabrina Jefwa, senior county officials, and the Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Mombasa, Prof. Laila Abubakar, who led the university delegation.

Speaking during the event, Governor Timamy reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to investing in education, institutional partnerships, and skills development as key pillars in advancing Lamu’s Blue Economy agenda. He noted that collaboration with academic institutions is critical to building local capacity and ensuring sustainable exploitation of maritime resources.

The partnership will focus on maritime training, applied research, internships, professional certification, and innovation, with the aim of equipping local youth with industry-relevant skills aligned to the county’s marine and maritime potential.

Both parties committed to working together to ensure effective implementation of joint programmes through shared expertise, facilities, and resources, supporting inclusive and long-term socio-economic development in Lamu County.

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

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, EGH, on Thursday officiated the opening of a newly constructed library at Lamu Primary School in a move aimed at strengthening education standards in Lamu County. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, county officials, teachers, parents, and learners.

The modern facility is equipped with computers, reading desks, shelves, and a wide range of learning materials designed to promote literacy and academic excellence among pupils. Speaking during the event, Governor Timamy reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education infrastructure to create a conducive learning environment across the county.

School administrators welcomed the initiative, noting that the library will enhance research, nurture a strong reading culture, and benefit hundreds of learners at the institution.

The County Government expressed appreciation, noting that the library was donated by Beta Charitable Trust and Visram Foundation who were represented by Dr. Muhsin Shariff of CHEPs.

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

The successful Lamu East development tour concludes with major milestones in Ishakani, Kiwayu and Mkokoni, as Governor Issa Timamy delivers impactful water and empowerment projects to residents.

The Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, in conjunction with the State Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Registration, today marked a historic breakthrough after issuing Certificates of Registration of Community Land to the Achuwei, Mvundeni, Simambae, Rubu and Mwambore communities.

The colourful ceremony, held at Lamu Polytechnic, was presided over by Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahajaj, who described the occasion as a long awaited victory for the beneficiary communities.

Dr. Bahajaj who is also a CECM Health, termed the issuance of the certificates as a significant step in restoring ancestral lands that had been abandoned decades ago due to insecurity caused by the Shifta menace.

“This is a historic milestone for these communities in reclaiming what rightfully belongs to them, land left behind by their forefathers during difficult times.Today marks the beginning of a new chapter of ownership, dignity and development,” said the Deputy Governor.

He urged residents to safeguard the newly registered community land and cautioned them against divisions along ethnic lines.

“Let unity be your strength. Do not allow ethnicity or internal disagreements to divide you. Remain united for a common purpose development and prosperity,” he emphasized.

Dr. Bahajaj further noted that the achievement stands as part of Governor Issa Timamy’s administration’s legacy in strengthening land governance and securing community land rights across Lamu County.

Community members led by Muhasham Famau, expressed joy and relief, saying the certificates will provide legal security, reduce land disputes and open doors for development opportunities within their areas.

The event brought together key county and national government officials including County Secretary Ambassador Ali Abbas, CECM for Lands Tashrifa Bakari, Lamu East Deputy County Commissioner Philip Muoki, Community Land Registrar Boaz Juma, County Land Adjudication and Settlement Officer Devis Mwenda, among other leaders and community representatives.

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

The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Food Security is conducting a two day training on the rollout of the Digitally Enabled Agripreneur Model, bringing together key stakeholders in Lamu County.

The training focuses on the Agripreneur Programme Management System (APMS), Agripreneur Digital Platform (ADP), KALRO big data products and services, and the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS) platform.

Speaking during the opening session, Lamu County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Agriculture, James Gichu, urged participants to fully utilize the two days of training and emphasized that the digital tools being introduced should strictly be used for their intended purposes.

The National Project Coordination Unit (NPCU) team, led by Samuel Ombicha from the Department of Kenya Fisheries Services (KeFS), underscored the importance of integrity in the programme’s implementation.

He noted that multiple agencies are closely monitoring the project and warned that any false information submitted through the systems would be detected.

The workshop brings together agripreneurs, Community Driven Development Committees (CDDCs), agriculture officers, and members of the County Project Coordination Unit (CPCU) under the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP).

Participants are expected to serve as extension agriculture officers, bridging gaps between farmers and the government.

Their roles include farmer registration, promoting new agricultural and livestock practices, advising farmers on agro weather information, soil testing, and providing agronomic guidance.

They will also link farmers to available markets using the KIAMIS application.

The training is being conducted concurrently in Lamu East and Lamu West sub counties.

Also in attendance was Frederick Baraka Kaingu, the Chief Officer for Agriculture, Irrigation, and Food Security in Lamu County.

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