Archives 2025

Kiwayu Island came alive on Friday as Lamu County Governor H.E. Issa A. Timamy, EGH, OGW, officially opened the much-anticipated Governor’s Dhow & Donkey Race Kiwayu 2025 — a colorful cultural and sporting festival celebrating the rich heritage of the Bajuni and Swahili communities.

The Governor led the festivities which feature the iconic dhow and donkey races as the main highlights. The opening day also showcased thrilling beach soccer and swimming competitions with teams drawn from Kiwayu, Ndau, Mkokoni, and Kiunga villages, attracting enthusiastic youth and cheering crowds.

In his remarks, Governor Timamy reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding culture, promoting sports, and empowering local communities through inclusive development. He commended the Department of Trade for its dedication in organizing the event and expressed gratitude to the people of Kiwayu for their warm support and active participation.

The Governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Mohammed, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnassir Issa, CECMs, Chief Officers, among other senior county officials.

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For more information, please contact:

Communication Office – communication@lamu.go.ke

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, EGH, OGW, on Friday rewarded and appreciated students from Siyu Secondary School for their outstanding performance in the recently concluded National Secondary Schools Music Festivals.

The Governor, who was accompanied by Lamu East MP Capt. Ruweida, presented awards to the students and assured continued support for co-curricular activities across the county.

Siyu Secondary School Principal, Mr. Komora, thanked the County Government of Lamu—particularly the Department of Education—for their consistent support in strengthening the education sector, and their zeal to ensure students excel both academically and in extracurricular activities.

Governor Timamy reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting and investing in education. He further highlighted that his government pays bursaries of Ksh 10,000 for all secondary school students from Lamu East as part of an affirmative action programme aimed at easing the financial burden on parents.

The Governor was accompanied by Education CECM Hon. Sebastian Owanga, Agriculture CECM Hon. James Gichu, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnassir Issa, among other senior officials.

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For more information, please contact:

Communication Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has today opened Kiwayu social hall in Kiunga ward.

Speaking after the launch, Governor Timamy said that the hall can be used to nurture talents, hold meetings, training and a social gathering place.

At the same time the Governor urged the hall management committee to employ mechanisms that will ensure the community fully benefits from the facility.

The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy Dr. Mbarak Mohamed, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir Issa, CECMs, Chief Officers among other county officials.

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at communication@lamu.go.ke

Governor Issa Timamy, together with the Chief Executive Officer of WWF, Mr. Mohamed Aweer, officially handed over the Pangani Water Pan to the community in a ceremony that drew joy and relief among local residents.

For years, families in the area have struggled with long dry spells, walking long distances in search of water for their livestock and household use. The new water pan will now ease this burden, ensuring that water is available throughout the seasons.

Speaking during the event, Governor Timamy noted that the project is not just about water, but about improving lives. “With reliable water, our people will spend less time searching for it and more time engaging in productive activities. Conflicts over scarce water will reduce, and households will have greater stability,” he said.

Community members welcomed the project, saying it will go a long way in reducing tension between herders and farmers, while also safeguarding their livelihoods.

WWF Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mohamed Aweer lauded the initiative, noting that the water pan is a milestone in securing community resilience. He emphasized that reliable water access not only supports families and livestock but also promotes peaceful coexistence and long-term sustainability in the region.

The Governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Mohamed and CECM for Water Hon. Tashrifa Bakari, who reaffirmed the county’s commitment to improving access to essential resources for the people of Lamu.

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

The County Government of Lamu, through the Department of Finance, Budget, Strategy and Economic Planning, has successfully concluded public participation forums on the County Annual Development Plan (CADP) across the county.

In the latest sessions held in Witu ward, residents actively voiced their priorities for projects to be included in the 2026/2027 financial year.

Wananchi emphasized key areas they want addressed, highlighting pressing needs for their communities.

They also expressed appreciation to the county government, noting that several of their past proposals have been taken into account and implemented in previous and this financial years.

The forums are part of the county’s constitutional obligation to involve citizens in decision making, ensuring that development is guided by the people’s needs and aspirations.

Chief Officer, Department of Budget Bwanakheri Avokame, reaffirmed their commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in planning and budgeting for Lamu’s growth.

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

The County Government of Lamu through the Department of Finance, Budget, Strategy and Economic Planning has embarked on a two day public participation forum across the county to gather citizens’ views on the County Annual Development Plan (CADP) for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Residents turned out in large numbers to air their views and share priority projects they wish to see included in the upcoming budget cycle.

The forums provided an opportunity for open dialogue between the county leadership and the public.

Several civil society organizations, including Mokowe Action Group, Atlas Youth Organization, and the Muslim Women Advancement of Rights and Protection, actively took part in the sessions.

The groups submitted written memoranda highlighting their development proposals and advocacy priorities.

County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) and Chief Officers were present at the forums, underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and citizen driven planning.

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For more information, contact the Communication Office

at communication@lamu.go.ke

Happy with the progress of our *Kiunga Health Centre* projects following my inspection visit today.

The *RADIOLOGY UNIT* is *90%* complete while the *OPERATING THEATRE* is at *60%*

We are determined to have these two revolutionary projects operationalized before March 2026.

*Pregnant mothers* who require *C-section* (Operative birth) have to endure a grueling 4 – 6 hour journey to access these services at King Fahd Hospital.

Governor Timamy has prioritized the Kiunga HC projects as part of his efforts to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

I am also elated at the prospect of partnering with *Kenya Red Cross* to have a brand new *FEMALE WARD & NEW BORN UNIT* at Kiunga Health Centre.

I was accompanied by Kenya Red Cross Lamu Branch Coordinator Mr. Abdulhakim Abdul and members of our technical teams.

Dr. MBARAK M.SALIM BAHJAJ

DG/CECM Health

Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy today signed one-year performance contracts with County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) in a move aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency, and service delivery.

Speaking during the ceremony at the county headquarters in Mokowe, Governor Timamy said the contracts will align specific development priorities with budget allocations, ensuring the timely achievement of set goals.

“Performance contracting links our priorities to our budget, enabling us to deliver on projects and services that directly benefit our people,” Governor Timamy said.

The Governor further urged the CECMs and Chief Officers to work hard and ensure they deliver on their mandates, noting that the people of Lamu will be looking up to them for tangible results.

He added that the initiative will promote prudent use of county resources, resulting in tangible development gains, including the implementation and operationalization of key projects across the county.

Deputy Governor Designate Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj commended the exercise, noting it has brought clarity to priorities, strengthened planning, enhanced coordination, and provided residents with a clear way to track progress in service delivery.

The signing reaffirms the county leadership’s collective commitment to effective governance, citizen engagement, and measurable results.

Present were all County Executive Committee Members, County Secretary Ambassador Ali Abbas, and Chief Officers.

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

Lamu Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahajaj has unveiled an ambitious initiative to establish modern libraries in primary schools across the county, aiming to foster a strong reading culture and enhance literacy among young learners.

The program, championed by Dr. Bahajaj, will be implemented in partnership with school alumni, well-wishers, and other development stakeholders.

Several key community members have already stepped forward to support this initiative, including:

Dr. Bahsan Aidarus, a passionate education advocate.

Mr. Abdulkadir Mohamed (popularly known as Baggio), a committed community mobilizer.

Mr. Mwenye Zein, a former teacher at Lamu Primary School and respected education figure in the area among others.

The pilot phase is set to begin at Mahmoud Bin Fadhil Boys Primary School, Dr. Bahajaj’s former school where the first modern library will be established as a model for the wider rollout across the county.

Speaking at his office following a consultative meeting with the school’s headteacher and the Board of Management (BOM) , Dr. Bahajaj highlighted the urgent need to enhance literacy infrastructure at the grassroots level.

“There is an urgent need to equip our primary schools with modern libraries,” said Dr. Bahajaj. “We must instill a reading culture in our community, starting with our youngest learners. A well resourced library is a powerful tool for learning, innovation, and empowerment.

The modern libraries will feature a wide range of reading materials, digital learning tools, and other educational resources tailored to meet the developmental needs of primary school pupils.

The Deputy Governor also appealed to corporate sponsors, development partners, and community members to support the initiative, emphasizing the collective role in ensuring the program’s sustainability and growth.

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

H.E. Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj was on Thursday sworn in as the 4th Deputy Governor of Lamu County.

The 44-year-old medical doctor and technocrat took office today at the Mokowe County Headquarters in a ceremony marked by colour and pomp.

Dr. Mbarak becomes the first Deputy Governor in Lamu to assume office through a vote of the County Assembly. The position fell vacant in September 2024 following the demise of the third Deputy Governor, H.E. Raphael Munyua.

The oath of office was administered by Lady Justice Mugure Thande, together with Principal Magistrate Peter Wasike and Resident Magistrate Flavian Mulama.

In his acceptance speech, the Deputy Governor expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity, humbly stating that he was not the most qualified for the role and that there were many others more capable than him. He described the appointment as a challenge he fully embraces and pledged never to let down the people of Lamu.

Dr. Mbarak commended Governor Issa Timamy for his tremendous work in transforming Lamu and called upon all leaders to work together to deliver on the Governor’s development promise to the people. He assured his full support to Governor Timamy in achieving that goal, with a particular focus on improving healthcare by ensuring hospitals are fully equipped with modern facilities to provide affordable and accessible services to residents.

He further pledged to work closely with Governor Timamy to foster unity in Lamu County, urging residents to shun divisive politics — especially those driven by tribal, religious, or regional differences — for the sake of progress.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Timamy EGH, OGW, who congratulated his new Deputy Governor and affirmed their commitment to working together to deliver the county’s development agenda. Governor Timamy emphasized that there is no time for politics and that his administration will work tirelessly until the last day of their term. He also thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

Other dignitaries present included Lamu East MP Hon. Ruweida, Matuga MP Hon. Kassim Tandaza, Speaker Hon. Azhar Ali, Shella MCA Hon. Atwaa, nominated MCA Hon. Medo, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief of Staff Abdulnasir Issa, CECMs, CPSB Chairman Hon. Abdalla Fadhili, Chief Officers, and Assistant County Commissioner Charles Kitheka, among others.

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