Archives 2022

Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Timamy E.G.H is currently attending a consultative meeting that has brought other counties to discuss on long term resilience building mechanisms in the arid counties.

In his remarks, the Council of Governors Blue Economy Committee Chairperson emphasized on the need to tap into numerous opportunities arid counties offer that would aid into enabling them to become more resilient.

“Lamu boasts of hosting 65% of the mangrove forest cover in Kenya with all the nine mangroves’ species being in Lamu county. There are numerous opportunities we are exploring from these forests since they have an enormous capacity for absorbing up to 10 times more carbon dioxide from air than terrestrial trees” said Governor Timamy.

The governor further lauded a group of women from Lamu who have defied all odds and ventured into rearing of octopus that has enabled them to have an alternative sustainable livelihoods with their dependants.

The A.N.C party leader also highlighted availability of clean water as one of the challenges that is facing the people of Lamu but also expressed optimism that his administration is working with development partners to ensure that with the growing population in Lamu, all residents will have access to clean and safe water for domestic use.

Other counties attending the consultative meeting which has been convened by USAID in partnership with the Council of Governors include; Garissa, Marsabit, Turkana, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Isiolo, Baringo and Samburu counties respectively.

Lamu County’s new Executive Committee Members have today been sworn in to take up duties in their respective dockets in a colorful ceremony that was witnessed by H.E Governor Issa Timamy E.G.H

The swearing-in ceremony of the 7-member team was presided over by Legal Services Director, Ms. Kulthum Harith at Mkunguni square, Lamu Island.

While congratulating the new C.E.C.M’s Governor Timamy observed that the new team comes when his administration has lined up various projects, which need to be implemented immediately. He further challenged the new team to take up their responsibilities with dedication saying the assignments awaiting them were enormous.

“I appreciate you, for agreeing to work towards changing the face of Lamu in terms of service delivery. You were vetted and approved following your professional background, competencies and experience and therefore the great people of Lamu expect you to translate that into service delivery”Governor Timamy said.

The County boss further added that he expects the C.E.C.Ms to assist him deliver on his government programs and fulfill the promises he made to the people of Lamu and those who won’t deliver will have their contracts terminated.

Some of the projects that Governor cited for immediate implementation and action include; Agriculture; by making sure Lamu is food secure, Health; by ensuring there are drugs and effective services across all health facilities, Water; by ensuring all residents of Lamu have access to clean water among others.

Speaking during the same occasion, Lamu Deputy Governor H.E. Raphael Munyua congratulated the newly sworn in C.E.C.M’s and advised them to take their responsibilities with the seriousness that it deserves. He further committed to support the Governor towards delivering their manifesto to the people of Lamu.

The team of seven highly qualified, skilled adept and qualified men and women in public service and private sector include;

1. Hon. Mohamed Mbwana Ali – C.E.C.M for Finance, Budget, Strategy and Economic Planning

2. Hon. James Gichu – C.E.C.M for Agriculture, Irrigation and Food Security

3. Hon. Tashrifa Bakari Mohamed – C.E.C.M for Lands, Physical Planning, Urban Development, Energy, Water and Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Public Works

4. Hon. Owanga Sabastian Aduong’a – C.E.C.M for Education, ICT, Gender, Youth Affairs, Sports, Community Development and Social Services

5. Hon. Faiz Fankupi Abushiri – C.E.C.M for Fisheries, Blue Economy, LiveStock and Co-operative Development

6. Hon. Aisha Abdalla Miraj – C.E.C.M for Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment and;

7. Hon. Dr. Mbarak Mohamed Mbarak – C.E.C.M for Health Services, Sanitation and Environment.

Also present at the swearing is Lamu County First Lady H.E. Dr. Dr. Hajara El-Busaidy, Women Representative Hon. Monica Marubu, Senator Hon. Joseph Githuku, Lamu East MP. Hon. Ruweida Obo, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas Ali, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir M. Issa, M.C.A’s among others.

Lamu Governor H.E Issa Timamy, E.G.H has reiterated his commitment to work with Kenya Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations in ensuring residents from drought hit areas get the humanitarian assistance they require.

Speaking while giving fishing gears that will be used by over 800 fishermen in partnership with Kenya Redcross, the Governor lauded the institution for their noble contribution towards initiating and supporting programs that aim towards creating jobs, opening opportunities and improving the economic status of young people in Lamu County.

“I am humbled and honored to be installed as the Kenya Redcross Patron and a life member. I will always be highly appreciative of the important role played by the Kenya Red Cross in Lamu county and their unending endeavor to facilitate communities to respond to humanitarian emergencies, alleviate human suffering as well as implement innovative community driven programmes that transform lives and enhance community resilience” noted Governor Timamy.

He also applauded the humanitarian organization as being among the donors who gave the most contribution towards making the just concluded Lamu Cultural Festivals a success.

The Governor who accompanied by the First Lady H.E. Dr. Hajara El-Busaidy and his Deputy H.E. Raphael Munyua was speaking after the 59th Jamhuri day celebrations in Faza.

Today marked the 59th national Jamhuri Day celebrations with Lamu East residents from all walks of life being treated with pomp and colour at the county level celebrations that were held at Faza primary school grounds in Faza Ward.

Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Timamy accompanied by First Lady H.E. Hajara Albusaidy and Lamu County Commissioner Mr. Irungu Macharia, led the county in the national celebrations at Faza, making it the first such national celebration to be held in Lamu East.

Speaking during the ceremony, where hundreds of attendants were treated to a galore of entertainment, the A.N.C. Party leader thanked his fellow elected leaders for the peaceful coexistence and teamwork. He further asked all Lamu residents to take this celebrations as a time to reflect on the commitment, dedication, selflessness and patriotism of the sons and daughters of our forefathers who laid their lives for Kenya to be free.

“We are marking this year’s Jamhuri day against the backdrop of 100 days as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Lamu County. Within that period, my administration has managed to put in place structures that will support our development agenda for our great county” Governor Timamy said.

The A.N.C party leader who was awarded E.G.H title today by President Dr. William Ruto, in recognition of his distinguished services rendered to the nation in various capacities, said his administration was in the process of reviewing the Universal Health Care coverage to ensure it’s effective and only covers deserving persons. He further noted that the county was in the process of digitizing all health facilities, a move that will curb leakages and improve on efficiency and service delivery.

While congratulating the new C.E.C.M’s nominees that will be sworn in tomorrow, Governor Timamy committed to continue supporting the bursaries and scholarships as a way of empowering the Lamu community by providing equal access of education to all. He also noted that his administration will roll out fortified ‘Uji’ program to all E.C.D.E centers but urged parents to take part and support the program by volunteering to cook for their children in schools. “In bid to help in retaining children in schools and reduce malnutrition, my administration will be launching free fortified porridge in all our E.C.D.E centers across the county. However, I call upon parents and guardians from those centers to volunteer in cooking for our children on rotational basis as a way of making the program successful” stated Timamy.

The Council of Governors Blue Economy Chairperson who was leading the national celebrations for the first time in Lamu East, assured the fishermen who have been seeking for compensation that his administration will work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the fishermen who were displaced by the new Lamu port — LAPSSET — are fully compensated.

The county boss further declared war on drug dealers and cartels in Lamu and assured the public that his administration will work closely with the National Government to curb the drug problem in Lamu.

“Youth constitute an integral part of Lamu’s population and hence my government will remain steadfast in focusing on initiatives that would lead to their socio-economic empowerment” he added.

Lamu County Commisioner Mr. Irungu Macharia who read the President’s speech, called for concerted efforts between the national and county governments leaders in implementation of development projects for the good of the people.

Lamu Deputy Governor H.E. Raphael Munyua committed to assist the Governor to deliver on their mandate and on all the pledges that they made during the campaigns. He further urged politicians and leaders across the political divide to concert their efforts on issues that are geared in aiding Lamu towards it’s recovery path.

Next year’s Jamhuri day celebrations will be held in Kiunga under the new county rotational celebrations program. Mashujaa day shall be held at Witu while Madaraka Day shall be celebrated at Mpeketoni.

Also in attendance was, Lamu West M.P Hon. Ruweida Obo, Senator Hon. Joseph Githuku, Women Rep. Hon. Muthoni Marubu, County Executive Committee Members nominees, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas Ali, Chief of Staff Mr. Mr. Abdulnasir M. Issa among others.

Lamu Governor and Council of Governors Blue Economy committee H.E. Governor Issa Timamy is currently in Hola, Tana River county attending the 4th Jumuiya Agribusiness & Blue Economy Investment Conference.

The A.N.C party leader who delivered his maiden speech yesterday called on Blue Economy investors to explore the vast investment opportunities in Coastal counties that will create jobs, spur economic growth, mitigate the impacts of climate change and help meet the food needs of the growing global population.

Governor Timamy further noted that Kenya’s marine and coastal fisheries have a high potential growth adding tthat Kenya’s Blue Economy could easily contribute three times its present share of gross domestic product , create jobs and bring prosperity to millions of Kenyans.

“Blue Economy sector already supports an estimated two million people directly and indirectly as fishers, traders, processers, input suppliers, merchants of fishing accessories, and providers of related services. It plays an important role in job creation, income generation, nutrition and food security” said Governor Timamy.

The three day conference which started yesterday and is being attended by the coastal Governors under the theme of Innovative Investments in Blue Economy, Urbanization and Regenerative Transformation.

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Governor Issa A. Timamy is currently leading relief food drive for Mswakini , Bora Bodhei, Milimani ndogo, Kaloleni and Ndununi residents in Bargoni Ward.

The relief food distribution program will help drought-stricken Lamu residents cope with the effects of the raging drought and aims to cushion residents against the effects of the ravaging drought .

The lack of rain has exacerbated drought conditions, resulting in poor to no harvests for Lamu’s small-holder farmers and water and vegetation scarcity for the livestock herding communities.

Governor Timamy is accompanied by Lamu Deputy County Commisoner Mr. Charles Kitheka and and Lamu County Police Commander Mr. Moses Murithii.

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The 20th Lamu Cultural Festival, which featured exhilarating water sports to thrilling cultural dances and dazzling arts came to a close this Saturday evening 27th November 2022.

The event was hosted by the Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Abdalla Timamy and graced by a host of dignitaries led by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Ambassadors, Political leaders drawn from across the country, local leaders among others .

The three day action packed Lamu Festival 2022 attracted over 40,000 foreign and local tourists to the beautiful Lamu archipelago, enthralling them with activities like; dhow races, donkey races, fishing competition, traditional henna paintings, numerous poetry readings, music performances and competitive Bao games and an endless selection of mouth watering Lamu cuisine.

This year’s festival’s theme, “A melting pot of variety and multiculturalism,” played a key role in emphasizing the richness of Lamu’s culture, promoting intercultural understanding, and showcasing the rich and varied cultural manifestations of Lamu’s different communities.

Speaking during the donkey racing competition, H.E. Mudavadi lauded the Lamu county government for meticulously and successfuly organizing cultural events, which were heavily dependent on the outdoors and focused on bringing artforms and broader cultural expressions into unusual locations and innovative combinations..

“I’m glad to be in Lamu the Island that conjure dreams of paradise: an escape from the rat race and a perfect patch of sand where you can relax under rustling palms and gaze at a serene blue sea to celebrate and explore the rich culture that is a once-in-a-lifetime communal cultural experiences” said the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Timamy thanked everyone who contributed to the event’s success, emphasizing that the purpose of this year’s celebration was to foster a sense of shared euphoria and collective joy that was in keeping with Lamu’s rich social heritage that not only define Lamu County, but also binds the society to pass it on from one generation to another.

“There is no disputing the value of cultural festivals, and we are cognizant of the fact that none of our social interactions are as energizing as the festival. Participating in this year’s festival gives one a chance to learn about the cultural histories of our different communities, as well as to value variety, promote peace and cohesiveness, and support these communities,” said the A.N.C national party leader.

The event has brought Lamu Island roaring back to life after a protracted break caused by the impacts of COVID-19 with winners in various categories being honored with cash prizes.

Among those in attendance were top national government officials, dignatries and diplomats including Marsabit Governor H.E. Mahamoud Ali, Garissa Governor H.E. Nadhif Jama, Lamu Deputy Governor H.E. Raphael Munyua, Ambassadors H.E Khalid Bin Abdullah Al-Salman-Saudi Arabia, H.E V.Pantazopoulou-Greece, H.E. Rasheed Qusai-Kuwait, H.E. Ole Thonke-Denmark, Lamu County Senator Hon.Githuku, Lamu County Members of Parliament, MCAs among others.

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Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E. Musalia Mudavadi has today arrived in Lamu to celebrate the 20th Annual cultural festivals.

The former A.N.C Party leader was recieved by H.E. Governor Issa Timamy who was joined by his Deputy H.E. Raphael Munyua.

The three day cultural festival kicked off yesterday in high gear and was graced by the Lamu Governor and A.N.C Party Leader where thousands of visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy traditional dances, cooking displays, donkey racing, mashua racing, iron man triathlon, cultural displays, soccer, swimming and fishing competitions among others.

This is year’s event is being held at Lamu Island which is a world heritage site and the oldest surviving swahili town. It is running under the theme; ‘A melting pot of diversity and multiculturalism” which is a key driver in celebrating the diversity in our cultures, promoting intercultural understanding and showcasing various communities’ rich and diverse cultural expressions.

The Deputy Governor later accompanied the Prime Cabinet Minister on a tour to the Port of Lamu, where they deliberated on how to optimize the port operations and unlock it’s potential by creating employment, opening up opportunities as well as positioning Lamu as an economic hub within the coastal region.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary is among top government officials and dignitaries who are in Lamu to celebrate this year’s festival.

“We are alive to the fact that culture can be used to foster peace, unity, and integration and ultimately enhance county and national development. I am glad to be in Lamu today to celebrate this years cultural festivals where this great county has been able yo bring out its magic of the Kenyan coastal Island” Said the Prime Cabinet Secretary, adding that this event will significantly increase both domestic and international tourist arrivals.

Lamu Deputy Governor praised the event as a platform for marketing Lamu’s culture within the region and internationally.
“This festival aims at bringing together local and foreign tourists to celebrate the rich diversity of Lamu cultural heritage and creativity. Under the leadership of Governor Timamy we intend to use this festival as a platform to promote cultural tourism as well as conservation, safeguarding and development of our cultural heritage. The event has created direct employment to thousands of youths and has also positioned Lamu as the most preferred tourist destination,” said the Deputy Governor.

Lamu is one of the largest and most visited islands renowned for its Swahili cultural heritage, donkey sanctuaries, white sandy beaches, pristine blue waters and many cultural traditions.

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H.E the Governor Issa Timamy has today witnessed the swearing in of ambassador Ali Abass Ali to be the new county secretary of Lamu County Government.

KPA Chairman General Retired Joseph Kibwana accompanied by Board of Directors yesterday paid a courtesy call on the Lamu County Deputy Governor H.E. Raphael Munywa to discuss on how they can sustain their relationship towards developing the Lamu port.