Faza Youth Action Group in Lamu County is celebrating a major environmental milestone after successfully restoring 24 acres of mangrove forest, thanks to funding from the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project.

Implemented through the Lamu County Government, the mangrove restoration initiative has empowered the group of 30 young members to take an active role in environmental conservation while creating meaningful livelihoods.

The project began two years ago and has since transformed the coastline near Faza. The group has established a thriving mangrove nursery, where they nurture seedlings before transplanting them to degraded areas.

Their efforts have contributed significantly to coastal restoration and climate change mitigation.“We are very happy because we now have a chance to conserve our environment and protect our future,” said a group representative.

“The mangroves not only help the ecosystem but have also given us something productive to do. As youth, we are now busy and engaged, and we are very grateful to KEMFSED.”

The support from KEMFSED and the Lamu County Government under Governor Issa Timamy has played a critical role in ensuring the project’s success. Through technical training, resources, and consistent follow-up, the initiative has built strong community ownership and environmental awareness among the youth.

The Faza Youth Action Group now serves as a model for community-led conservation and youth empowerment in the coastal region.

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

Kishada Self Help Group in Faza, Lamu County, has seen a major turnaround after receiving a grant from the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project to construct a boat yard.

The group, made up of local fishermen and boat makers, had long operated without a proper facility, working under harsh sun and rain that disrupted their business.According to Mwanasha Ali, a member of the group, the lack of a sheltered workspace led to delayed orders and loss of income.

“We used to work in the open. Now we can work even at night and finish client boats on time,” she said.

The project was made possible through the support of the Lamu County Government under Governor Issa Timamy, who played a key role in ensuring the community accessed KEMFSED funding and the project was implemented smoothly.

In addition to the construction of the boat yard, KEMFSED also built a modern toilet for the group, greatly improving hygiene and working conditions.Since the yard’s completion, the group has become more efficient and profitable. They now train young people in boat making, passing on vital skills and expanding job opportunities in the area.

“We were using traditional tools like hand drills. Now, we’ve grown, and the community benefits too,” Mwanasha noted.

This project is a clear example of how partnerships between communities, government, and development agencies can empower local livelihoods.

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

In Kizingitini village, Lamu East, a group of determined women has turned hardship into opportunity through innovation and teamwork. Once struggling to make ends meet by selling secondhand clothes and fish, the members of Al-Jazau Women Group are now running a successful water business — thanks to a KSh 3.9 million grant from the County Government of Lamu through the KEMSFED program.

Faced with the persistent challenge of water scarcity in their village, the women saw an opportunity. After receiving training and support through the grant program, they invested in a Jabia (rainwater harvesting and storage system) to provide clean water to the community — a resource both precious and profitable.”We are very grateful to Governor Issa Timamy for believing in us,” said Mrs. Shadya, the group’s chairlady.

“This project has changed our lives. We can now pay school fees for our children, support our families, and live with dignity — something we could barely do before.”

The group’s initiative is now serving dozens of households, and profits from water sales are being reinvested to expand their reach. Beyond business, the women are proud of their role in solving a real community need.

They have pledged to safeguard the project and continue working together to improve their lives and the welfare of Kizingitini.

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

Along the coastline of Kiwayu in Lamu East Sub-county, a quiet transformation is underway. Local fishermen, once burdened by outdated equipment and financial instability, are now experiencing renewed hope — thanks to grants from the County Government of Lamu through the KEMSFED project.

Launched four months ago by Governor Issa Timamy, EGH, OGW, the initiative supports small-scale fishermen with modern fishing gear, cold storage, and transport infrastructure.

The impact is already visible both at sea and onshore.”KEMFSED didn’t just give us freezers — they gave us power over our own future,” said Mr. Omar Famau Kijamba, Chair of the Kiwayu Fishermen Initiative group. “Before, we were forced to sell fish quickly and cheaply before it spoiled. Now, we store it, wait for better prices, and feed our families with dignity.”

The KEMFSED project includes a new landing site and a cold storage facility with a capacity of 1,500 kilograms. It has significantly improved the livelihoods of local fishermen, many of whom still rely on traditional methods despite the untapped potential of the fishing sector.

This support is not just about equipment — it’s about restoring dignity, increasing income, and building sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

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