The Lamu Virtual Gallery was officially inaugurated today, with Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and the French Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Arnaud Suquet, leading the ceremony.

This innovative gallery, which highlights Lamu’s rich cultural heritage, has been renovated and equipped with the support of the French government’s Creation Africa program.

The Creation Africa program is dedicated to fostering cultural development by supporting innovative projects across the continent.

The Lamu Virtual Gallery, a partnership between the Lamu County Government and the French government, aims to present culture in a new, accessible way by using advanced digital technology to preserve and showcase Lamu’s heritage.

In a statement, Ambassador Suquet emphasized the importance of France-Kenya collaboration, noting that the partnership represents a new chapter in cultural exchange.

He also hinted at the exciting prospect of future collaborations during upcoming Lamu Cultural Festivals.

Lamu County holds a significant number of historic sites and monuments in Kenya, with over 40 various sites along its coast and the mainland.

“As we navigate the evolving landscape of cultural heritage, modern technologies are redefining how we perceive, document and safeguard our past and also bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, ensuring our history remains vibrant and accessible in the digital age”. Said the Governor.

The digital renovation of the gallery has been carried out with the assistance of Iconem, a French tech company specializing in the 3D digitalization of endangered cultural heritage sites.

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

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, alongside several ambassadors, including representatives from Italy, Qatar, Palestine, Sudan, and the Arab League, toured the exhibitors’ stands at the ongoing 22nd Lamu Cultural Festival.

The event, which features a mix of cultural displays and exhibits from various companies, highlights Lamu’s rich heritage and its potential for innovation and economic growth.

Also accompanying the governor were First lady Dr. Hajara Al- Busaidy, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief of Staff Abdulnassir Issa, and other county officials.

The delegation took in the vibrant exhibitions and displays, which reflect the island’s commitment to celebrating its traditions while fostering new opportunities for development and collaboration.

This year’s theme, “Lamu: Celebrating Heritage, Unity, Innovation, and Economic Growth,” underscores the festival’s focus on preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern economic advancements.

The ambassadors expressed their appreciation for Lamu’s role as a cultural hub and its efforts to promote international partnerships.

The governor is expected to officially launch the festival tomorrow during the gala dinner, marking the beginning of Three days of cultural celebrations, performances, and exhibitions.

The Lamu Cultural Festival, now in its 22nd edition, is expected to draw both local and international visitors, further solidifying Lamu’s position as a global cultural and tourism destination.

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

Join us from 28th to 30th November 2024 as we celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of Lamu Island. Experience the charm of cultural performances, dhow races, Swahili cuisine, and so much more!

Stay connected for FREE! Enjoy free public Wi-Fi across the island while immersing yourself in the festivities. Share your moments, explore the beauty of Lamu, and make unforgettable memories—all while staying online.

#LamuCulturalFestival2024#VisitLamu#FreeWiFi#CulturalHeritage#ExploreKenya

35 Women groups in Lamu County are set to benefit from a Ksh 2,000,000 grant provided by WWF- Kenya through the Department of Education, Gender, Sports and Social Services.

The funds will enable the groups to offer indigenous and Swahili food catering services during the 22nd edition of the Lamu Cultural Festival, which will run from November 28th to 30th.

This financial support is directed towards groups affiliated with Community Forest Associations (CFAs) and Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) in Lamu, providing them with an opportunity to generate income while showcasing the rich culinary traditions of the County.

The funding has been made possible through WWF-Kenya’s Triple Benefit, Lamu Mangrove Conservation, and Building Community Resilience through Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects.

By empowering local communities to participate in the cultural festival, WWF-Kenya also reinforces the importance of community ownership in conservation efforts.

The Lamu Cultural Festival, organized by County Government of Lamu, is a key event that celebrates the region’s unique cultural heritage, Coexistence, promotes ecotourism, and advocates for sustainable resource management.

In attendance was County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief Officer Education Madam Hafswa Difini among others.

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

It was pomp and color in Basuba ward on Sunday, as the community welcomed Lamu Governor Issa EGH, OGW after assisting 26 Aweer community youths to secure permanent and pensionable jobs.

The Governor, who was accompanied by First lady H. E Dr. Hajara Elbusaidy handed over employment letters to 21 youths who were employed by the Public Service Commission as clerical staff and support staff through Governor Timamy’s intervention, whilst five were employed by the County Government as ECDE teachers.

The community and the new recruits thanked Governor Timamy for his unwavering commitment towards ensuring youths have equal opportunities for employment.

On his part, Governor Timamy congratulated the officials and urged them to work with professionalism and serve the public in their different capacities with dedication, fairness and integrity.

The Governor was also accompanied by the CECM for Education Hon. Sebastian Owanga, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir Issa and Education Chief Officer Mrs. Hafswa Difini.

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For more information, contact

Communication office at; communication@lamu.go.ke

Residents of Mpeketoni have been urged to uphold high standards of hygiene following concerns over illegal waste disposal practices in the area.

It has been discovered that many households and business premises have illegally connected their waste water discharge to the stormwater drains.

This has led to constant blockages of the drains, unpleasant odors and breeding of mosquitoes and other vectors of diseases.

The Department of Public Health, Sanitation and Environment together with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has condemned the practice, calling on the public to refrain from such actions in order to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Speaking during the joint on-site inspection, Mr. Mohamed Abubakar, the Director of Public Health and NEMA County Director Mr. Huqa Gedho, issued a stern warning to those responsible for the illegal connections.

“We are giving notice to these property owners to remove the illegal connections and install proper waste disposal systems. Failure to comply will result in legal action,” warned Abubakar.

NEMA Director informed that legal action shall be taken against those who will not comply with the improvement orders.

Residents are encouraged to report any illegal waste disposal practices and support the ongoing efforts to keep the town clean. Meanwhile the clean up exercise of the drains has been upscaled to unblock them and allow good flow of the storm water during the upcoming rains.

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

The Lamu County Referral Hospital will go into books of history as the first hospital to conduct the specialized procedure PCNL for a patient with a staghorn kidney stone measuring 3cm x 2.4cm.

The procedure was done by visiting Urologist & Ass. Professor _Dr. Akif Erbin_ from Turkiye collaborating with King Fahd hospital’s resident Urologist _Dr. Omar Binsalman._

The procedure which usually costs up to *KSH 450,000* was in this case done free of charge through partnership with *Doctors Worldwide* Turkiye and *Tika* , who also supported the just concluded UROLOGY & GYNECOLOGY CAMP at Lamu County Referral Hospital and Faza Sub-county Hospital respectively.

Other procedures done during the camp were:

10 kidney stones – done *RIRS + Laser*

8 Prostate enlargements – done *TURP*

4 children with fistulae and hernia repairs

5 diagnostic *Cysto-urethrograms*

7 *Gynecological Surgeries* including Cystectomies, TVH & TAH

Each of these procedures would otherwise cost the patients between KSH 80,000 – 150,000

A total of *35 MAJOR OPERATIONS* were successfully performed during the camp and all patients have been discharged

Please note, *GYNECOLOGY and UROLOGY CLINICS* continue at King Fahd hospital every MONDAY & FRIDAY RESPECTIVELY with specialized procedures routinely done at affordable rates and fully covered for *SHIF registered & paid up members*

For more information:

King Fahd Hospital

Customer Care

*0717 648 471*

Lamu County Emergency Operation Centre has received its first batch of students on internship from Mombasa KMTC who will be attached at the EOC and taken through the Emergency Medical technicalities.

The students who were received by Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir Issa alongside Disaster Management focal person Mr. Shee Kupi, will be undertaken through various modules of operations that includes but not limited to on scene and enroute patient management as well as dispatch cordination, patient identification and priority management.

The students will undertake their internship in a global award winning centre where all manners of incidents are processed and managed.

The centre which was established by Governor Issa Timamy has proved to the world about its capacity to run the programs smoothly and effectively.

Mr. Abdulnasir welcomed the cohort and assured them of the county’s support to make their learning exciting and fulfilling.

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For more information contact

Communication office at; communication@lamu.go.ke

In his annual State of the County address at the Lamu County Assembly, Governor Issa Timamy expressed his gratitude to the electorate for their continued trust and support.

Speaking in line with the requirements of the County Government Act of 2012, the Governor began by thanking residents for the opportunity to serve and promising to prioritize the welfare of county staff, ensuring they are well-supported to effectively perform their duties.

Governor Timamy emphasized the importance of collaboration with the County Assembly, acknowledging the positive working relationship that has contributed to successful service delivery to the people of the county.

Among the highlights of his administration’s achievements, Governor Timamy proudly shared the following milestones:

Revenue Collection: There has been a significant 35% increase in revenue collection, showcasing improved financial management and resource mobilization within the county.

Education: The Governor announced that 326 million shillings had been given for scholarships and bursaries, underscoring his commitment to supporting education and ensuring that students have access to financial assistance.

Infrastructure Development: The county has successfully constructed and upgraded 91 kilometers of road network, enhancing connectivity and promoting economic development across the region.

Healthcare Advancements: In a historic achievement, Kiunga will soon have a maternity theatre, which will be staffed by a medical doctor. This milestone will greatly improve healthcare access for the local community, particularly for mothers and children.

Governor Timamy concluded his address by reaffirming his dedication to the continued development of the county, with plans to focus on further enhancing infrastructure, healthcare services, and education, while ensuring the welfare of county staff remains a top priority.

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

Lamu County through the department of Land, Physical Planning and Urban Development has made history by becoming the first county in Kenya to develop a comprehensive County Spatial Plan, and now, it is the first to undertake its review and revision.

This forward-thinking plan, combined with the integration of a Marine Spatial Plan, is set to revolutionize how the county manages its resources and plans for sustainable growth.

Under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Issa Timamy, Lamu County has taken bold steps toward creating a blueprint for responsible development that balances environmental preservation with economic progress.

The integration of the Marine Spatial Plan is particularly significant, as it provides a structured approach to managing the county’s rich marine resources, ensuring their sustainable use for future generations.

“Today, Lamu County stands at the forefront of transformative development, not only with the County Spatial Plan but also by pioneering the Marine Spatial Plan,” CECM Land said during a recent roundtable meeting where stakeholders discussed the roadmap ahead.

The plan’s review and revision process has been a collaborative effort, with significant support from development partners such as the Go Blue Kenya Project, UN-Habitat, WWF Kenya, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

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