Archives 2026

The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project Phase II (KISIP II) in Lamu today hosted environmental and social safeguards experts from the national level for a key screening exercise in Mokowe aimed at strengthening compliance and sustainability of planned infrastructure works.

The team was led by Environmental Safeguards Specialist Maurice Asamwa from the National Coordination and Project Team (NCPT), accompanied by Ms. Beatrice Githinji, an independent consultant supporting NCPT on safeguards.

The exercise follows the descoping of the Kiunga infrastructure works after concerns were raised by the World Bank regarding the security situation in the area.

The Environmental and Social Screening conducted in Mokowe marks a critical initial step in the environmental and social assessment process.

It provides a structured roadmap to guide the development and implementation of appropriate safeguards for the proposed extended infrastructure works in Mokowe.

The national team was joined by members of the County Project Coordination Team (CPCT) led by Coordinator Architect Omar Sagaff, together with project safeguards officers, as well as representatives from the Settlement Executive Committee (SEC) and the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC).

Following the Mokowe exercise, the team proceeded to Witu and Matondoni for a monitoring assessment of ongoing and completed project interventions under KISIP II.

The visits enabled the team to evaluate project progress, ensure adherence to environmental and social safeguards, and engage local stakeholders on project impacts and long-term sustainability.

The assessment exercise highlights KISIP II’s continued commitment to inclusive, safe, and environmentally responsible urban development, while strengthening collaboration between national and county teams and ensuring community participation in project implementation.

_ Ends _

The County Government of Lamu has kicked off a series of public participation forums aimed at restoring Lake Kenyatta, one of the key freshwater resources in Lamu West.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Climate Change, ICT, Public Participation and E-Government, Aisha Shariff, led the public awareness forums held at Pangani,Timboni and Mavuno villages.

The meetings were organized to create awareness among residents about the ongoing restoration efforts and to gather community views on sustainable solutions for reviving the lake.

The forums aim to actively engage residents and stakeholders in discussions on practical and sustainable approaches to restore the lake and protect its ecosystem.

Through a partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Lamu County has embarked on a journey to restore Lake Kenyatta, which has experienced significant drying over the years.

The decline of the lake has largely been attributed to human activities that have interfered with natural water channels and surrounding ecosystems.

CECM Aisha, noted that continued public engagement will play a key role in identifying long-term solutions to restore the lake’s water levels and ecological balance.

The ongoing engagements are also expected to provide a way forward on how Nature-based Solutions can be integrated into the lake restoration initiative to enhance conservation and environmental sustainability.

_Ends_

For more information, contact:

Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Climate Change, ICT, Public Participation and E Government, Aisha Shariff, visited the water channels of Lake Kenyatta in Mpeketoni ahead of a scheduled public awareness forum on the restoration of the lake.

During the visit, the CECM inspected key areas including Lake Kenyatta and the Mukuru Bridge channel in Mpeketoni, as part of preparations for the public participation exercise set to take place tomorrow.

The Lamu County Government, through the Climate Change Unit, will hold a public participation forum on the restoration of Lake Kenyatta at Mukuru area in Bomani.

The forum aims to engage residents and stakeholders in discussions on sustainable solutions to restore the lake and protect its ecosystem.

Through a partnership with WWF, Lamu County has embarked on a journey to restore Lake Kenyatta, which has for many years experienced significant drying.

The decline of the lake has largely been attributed to human activities that have interfered with natural water channels and surrounding ecosystems.

Mrs. Aisha is calling on residents to actively participate in the forum to share views and support ongoing efforts to restore the lake for the benefit of livelihoods, biodiversity, and future generations.

This engagement will give a way forward on how Nature-based Solutions can form part of the lake restoration initiative to enhance conservation and restoration efforts.

_ Ends _

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

Lamu Governor HE. Issa Timamy, EGH, OGW on Tuesday commissioned the regularization of Kandahari and India settlements in Lamu, in a major move to address long-standing land ownership challenges affecting residents in the area.

This exercise targets families who have lived on the land for many years without title deeds, and is expected to give them legal ownership while opening the door for better planning and improved services.

Speaking during the event, Governor Timamy reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving land issues across the county. He noted that secure land ownership is key to development, as it allows the government to plan properly and invest in infrastructure.

“This is about giving our people security and a future they can rely on. When land issues are resolved, we can plan better, improve infrastructure, and attract more opportunities,” said the Governor.

The initiative is being implemented by the Department of Lands under the leadership of CECM for Lands, Hon. Tashrifa, working closely with the Chief Officer and the Director of Lands, in close collaboration with local leadership, whose efforts have been instrumental in turning this vision into reality.

Residents welcomed the move, saying it will transform their lives by giving them confidence to invest in their homes and land without fear of uncertainty.

The Governor also noted that the area has already benefited from key development projects, including cabro paving, installation of solar street lights, and ongoing water improvements through LAWASCO wells.

_Ends_

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

The County Government of Lamu, with financial support from WWF Kenya, convened a stakeholders’ meeting on the Lake Kenyatta Restoration Initiative at the Agriculture Training Centre (ATC) Mpeketoni.

The meeting aimed to deliberate on key restoration priorities for Lake Kenyatta, including reviewing recent milestones, identifying immediate interventions, strengthening institutional coordination, and agreeing on an actionable roadmap for the sub-catchment recovery.

While delivering her opening remarks, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Climate Change, ICT, Public Participation and E-Government, Aisha Shariff, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to protect the lake.

She noted that increasing challenges such as siltation, encroachment, and environmental degradation call for urgent, coordinated, and sustainable responses from all stakeholders.

“Lake Kenyatta is not only a key freshwater ecosystem but also a lifeline for many communities, supporting domestic use, agriculture, livestock, and biodiversity,” she said.

The meeting brought together representatives from several institutions, including the Water Resources Authority, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Wetlands International, Kipini Conservancy, Water Resource Users Association, and the Kenya Red Cross Society, among others.

— Ends —

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

The Lamu County Government earlier this week launched the Lamu County Mental Health Action Plan (2026–2030) at Lamu Polytechnic, marking a significant step toward improving mental health services across the county.

The plan provides a focused roadmap for improving mental health outcomes, with particular attention to the rising cases of substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

It also seeks to address significant system gaps, including limited mental health staffing, inadequate infrastructure, low public awareness, cultural barriers, stigma, and discrimination.

Available data from the county’s mental health department indicates trends closely related to national estimates for the period between January and July 2025. Substance use disorder emerged as the leading mental health concern in the county, accounting for 1,277 new and revisit cases, representing 51 percent of the total recorded mental health cases.

Speaking during the launch, Deputy Governor and County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Dr. Mbarak Bahajaj said the county will adopt a collaborative approach and leverage multi sectoral partnerships to implement the five strategic objectives outlined in the action plan.

He emphasized that key focus areas will include integration, prevention, and promotion of mental health services within primary healthcare systems across the county, including remote and hard to reach areas where communities continue to face challenges accessing adequate health services.

Dr. Bahajaj further noted that successful implementation of the strategic plan will enhance meaningful participation of persons affected by mental health conditions and deliver impactful outcomes across communities in Lamu County.

In attendance were Chief Officer for Medical Services Victor Tole, County Director of Medical Services Dr. Abdulkadir Omar, Dr. Makau representing the Ministry of Health Kenya Mental Health Division, County Mental Health Focal Person Mohamed Mude, and Denis Mwiti representing the Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya, among other key stakeholders.

— Ends —

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

Residents of Kandahar and India villages in Mkomani Ward, Lamu Island, gathered for a public engagement forum organized by the County Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development to discuss land tenure regularisation in the area.

The forum brought together key county officials including County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands Tashrifa Bakari, CECM for Finance Mohamed Mbwana, Chief Officer for Lands Ahmed Ali, administrators, and other stakeholders.

Speaking during the meeting, CECM for Lands Tashrifa Bakari called on residents of Kandahar and India villages to cooperate fully with the county government to ensure the land tenure regularisation process runs smoothly and successfully.

She emphasized that the exercise aims to bring order to land ownership and provide residents with secure tenure.

CECM for Finance Mohamed Mbwana reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting the process, noting that proper land documentation will enhance development planning and improve service delivery within Mkomani Ward.

Representing landowner, Mohamed Abbas, who spoke on behalf of his family, assured residents that the process will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, urging the community to remain united and supportive throughout the exercise.

— Ends —

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

Digital literacy training officially kicked off today at Kizingitini Polytechnic in Faza Ward, with the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT, Aisha Shariff, in attendance.

Mrs. Shariff, who hails from Kizingitini, called on youth from all villages in Faza Ward to turn up in large numbers and take advantage of the opportunity to acquire essential digital skills.

She emphasized the importance of embracing technology and urged young people not to be left behind in the rapidly evolving digital world.

The CECM encouraged the youth to compete with their peers from other wards across the county by actively participating in the training and making use of the available resources to enhance their knowledge and skills.

The digital literacy program is part of the county government’s ongoing efforts to empower young people with practical ICT skills and improve access to technology across all wards.

— Ends —

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

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT in Lamu County, Aisha Shariff, visited youth participating in the ongoing Digital Literacy Training at Hongwe and Witu Information Hubs.

During the third day of the training, which focused on practical sessions, she urged the youth to take full advantage of the County Information Hub Centres to continue practicing their computer skills and expanding their knowledge.

She emphasized the importance of the training, noting that upon completion, participants will receive recognized certificates from Technical University of Mombasa that will enhance their chances of securing employment.

The Digital Literacy Training is an initiative of the Lamu County Government through the Department of ICT, under the leadership of Hon. Governor Issa Abdalla Timamy, aimed at empowering youth with digital skills and improving employment opportunities.

— Ends —

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

The County Government of Lamu has officially launched a large-scale seed distribution exercise at the Mpeketoni Agricultural Training Centre (ATC), aimed at boosting food production and strengthening food security across the county.

Speaking during the launch, Governor Issa Timamy announced that over 100 tonnes of certified seeds have been procured for distribution to farmers—marking a significant increase from last year’s supply. The seeds, which include maize, cowpeas, and green grams, will be issued free of charge to farmers across all wards.

Governor Timamy emphasized the importance of fairness and transparency in the distribution process, directing that only genuine farmers benefit from the program. He warned against individuals attempting to acquire the seeds fraudulently or resell them for profit.

“We want these seeds to reach the right farmers and help transform Lamu into a food-secure county,” said the Governor. “Our vision is to make Lamu one of the country’s food baskets, and the county government is fully committed to supporting farmers to achieve this goal.”

Deputy Governor Mbarak Bahjaj, alongside several county leaders including CECM for Agriculture James Gichu, CECM Sebastian Owanga, Chief of Staff Abdulnasir Issa, and Governor’s Advisor and former MP Julius Ndegwa, attended the event.

_Ends_

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