Archives May 2026

H.E. the Governor, Issa Timamy, accompanied by his Deputy, Mbarak Bahajaj, launched a mass livestock vaccination drive in Koreni, Lamu West, aimed at protecting animals from deadly diseases and improving the livelihoods of pastoralist communities.

The launch was also attended by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Marine Fisheries, Blue Economy and Livestock, the Chief Officer, and the County Director of Veterinary Services.

The County Government is targeting the vaccination of more than 60,000 cattle against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and Anthrax across Lamu County.

The initiative is expected to help curb disease outbreaks, improve livestock productivity, and safeguard the livelihoods of livestock farmers.

Speaking during the event, Governor Timamy reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to strengthening the livestock sector through disease prevention programmes and support for local farmers.

During the event, the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) programme also donated 20 dairy cows to women groups in Koreni to boost household income and improve food security in the area.

Deputy Governor Dr. Bahajaj emphasized the importance of livestock health, noting that healthy animals contribute directly to healthy families and stronger community livelihoods.

Residents welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will help reduce livestock losses and enhance economic empowerment among pastoralist households.

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

The County Government of Lamu has intensified its crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking after Governor Issa Timamy rewarded two police officers with Ksh 50,000 each for their role in a successful anti-narcotics operation in Lamu Island.

The officers were received at the Mokowe County Headquarters together with religious leaders following last week’s raid that led to the arrest of two suspected major drug peddlers operating within Lamu Island.

Speaking during the event, Governor Timamy said the county government will continue supporting security agencies and individuals committed to eliminating drugs, noting that the reward system is meant to motivate officers in the ongoing crackdown.

He emphasized that Lamu must remain free from narcotics and urged sustained collaboration between security agencies, religious leaders, and communities to protect the youth from the dangers of drug abuse.

Deputy Governor Mbarak Bahjaj, who also attended the event, reaffirmed the county administration’s commitment to supporting enforcement efforts and strengthening preventive campaigns against drug trafficking.

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

More than 150 youths in Lamu County have successfully graduated from the Huawei Digital Truck Program after acquiring vital ICT and digital skills through an initiative by the Department of ICT in partnership with Huawei Kenya aimed at enhancing employability and innovation among young people.

The graduation ceremony, which was graced by Lamu Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj, was held on Monday at the Mokowe Command Center and brought together county officials, Huawei Kenya representatives and stakeholders in the ICT sector.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Bahjaj lauded the initiative for equipping youths with practical digital knowledge and modern ICT skills needed in today’s technology-driven world. He noted that the program is a major step towards empowering Lamu youths through access to digital opportunities and innovation.

The Huawei Digital Truck Program, a mobile classroom initiative, has been instrumental in reaching youths across different areas by providing hands-on ICT training and exposure to emerging technologies.

The county government reiterated its commitment towards bridging the digital divide through continuous investment in digital infrastructure. Under Governor Issa Timamy’s administration, seven ICT and digital hubs together with 18 free public WiFi hotspots have already been operationalized across Lamu County.

The youths were also sensitized on the upcoming Lamu Maritime and Innovation College set to officially open in July this year. The institution is expected to offer maritime and blue economy related courses aimed at preparing local youths for opportunities within the growing maritime sector.

The Deputy Governor was accompanied by ICT CECM Hon. Aisha Shariff, Governors Political Advisor Hon. Julius Ndegwa among others.

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

The Department of Finance, Budget, Strategy and Economic Planning has successfully concluded an intensive one-week technical exercise aimed at preparing the 2025 Lamu County Statistical Abstract, reaffirming the County Government’s commitment to evidence-based planning and informed decision-making.

The week-long activity brought together technical officers from various county departments alongside experts from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) to compile, validate and harmonize data covering key sectors of the county economy and social development.

The exercise focused on ensuring that the publication reflects accurate, timely and reliable statistics that will support policy formulation, development planning and performance monitoring across Lamu County.

‎Speaking during the exercise, County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Budget, Strategy and Economic Planning, Hon. Mohamed Mbwana Ali, lauded the strong collaboration between the County Government of Lamu and KNBS, noting that the Statistical Abstract remains a critical tool for guiding sustainable development and strengthening transparency in governance.

‎The technical exercise was spearheaded by Mr. Bwanaheri Avukame Haruni, Chief Officer for Budget, Strategy and Economic Planning, together with Mr. Ephantus Kuria, Assistant Manager – Field Services at KNBS.

The exercise also highlighted the county’s growing investment in modern statistical systems and data management approaches aimed at improving accessibility, accuracy and utilization of official statistics. County officials noted that the 2025 Statistical Abstract will provide valuable insights across sectors including population, health, education, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, trade and environment.

‎The publication is expected to serve as an essential reference document for policymakers, researchers, investors, development partners and the public by providing comprehensive socio-economic indicators that support inclusive and sustainable development in Lamu County.

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

About 50 youth from Faza Settlement in Lamu East are set to benefit from 45 day training programme under the KISIP 2/NYOTA Project aimed at empowering young people with skills for self reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

The trainers were officially handed over and introduced to the youth during a meeting held at Faza Social Hall in the presence of the Settlement Executive Committee (SEC) and Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) chairpersons.

Ahead of the programme rollout, the County Project Coordination Team together with the National Sub County Youth Officer conducted field visits within Faza Settlement to meet the selected beneficiaries and assess preparedness for the training exercise.

Speaking during the engagement, the trainer Fatma Ali Bunu, expressed their commitment to delivering impactful and engaging training throughout the 45 day period.

The programme will focus on equipping beneficiaries with practical skills, nurturing talent, and empowering youth to become economically independent.

Among those present during the exercise were Environmental Safeguard Officer Gabriel Ngige and Lamu East Sub County Youth Officer James Njenga, among other officials.

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For more information, contact:

Communications Office

Email: communication@lamu.go.ke

The Lamu County Department of Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment has concluded a three day capacity building workshop aimed at strengthening the tourism sector through enhanced skills in service excellence, sustainable tourism, and digital marketing.

The workshop, held at Lamu Polytechnic, brought together tourism stakeholders and was facilitated by trainers from the Technical University of Mombasa.

Speaking during the closing session, CECM Tourism, Culture,Trade and Investment, Aisha Miraj reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector through continuous capacity building and stakeholder collaboration.

She announced plans by the county government to establish a cultural centre in Lamu that will showcase different aspects of the county’s rich cultural heritage and way of life.

The centre is expected to serve as a platform for preserving and promoting Lamu’s cultural identity while enhancing tourism experiences.

The CECM also encouraged tourism stakeholders to form and join cooperatives within their respective sectors, noting that organized groups would have better opportunities to access loans, grants, and other economic empowerment programs.

Chief officer Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment Joyce Murimi, emphasized the importance of collaboration in implementing sustainable tourism practices aimed at protecting Lamu’s heritage, strengthening the local economy, and safeguarding the environment, culture, and future generations.

Participants who successfully completed the training were awarded certificates in recognition of their participation and commitment to improving service delivery and professionalism within the tourism sector.

Also in attendance were Director for Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment Ali Ahmed, Swahili Heritage Expert Mbarak Abdulkadir and other officials from the department

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For more information, contact:Communications OfficeEmail: communication@lamu.go.ke

Cotton farmers across Lamu County are set for improved yields and renewed optimism after receiving 3 tonnes of BT cotton seeds, in a major agricultural intervention aimed at reviving the sector.

‎The breakthrough has been made possible through a joint initiative between the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and the County Government of Lamu, working together to restore cotton farming and strengthen agricultural productivity across key farming zones.

‎Speaking during the launch at Mpeketoni ATC on Thursday morning, Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj said the county government will continue strengthening collaboration with AFA and investors to expand agricultural opportunities under Governor Issa Timamy, noting that agriculture remains central to Lamu’s economic transformation.

‎AFA Chairperson Hon. Cornelly Serem who led AFA top officials, announced that cotton seed support will be scaled up from 3 tonnes to 9 tonnes in the next planting season as part of efforts to expand production and support more farmers. He appreciated farmers and the county government for ensuring Lamu produces over 60% of cotton nationwide. The support package included 3 tonnes of BT cotton seeds, 10,000 bixa seedlings, 10,500 bottles of pesticides, and 16 motorized sprayer machines for cooperatives, all valued at KSh 20 million.

‎CECM for Agriculture Hon. James Gichu highlighted that the introduction of BT cotton by AFA is helping address long-standing challenges of access to quality seeds, a key barrier to productivity. He further noted the collaboration between AFA and the County Government of Lamu continues to strengthen agriculture as a key driver of rural incomes and economic growth.

‎The initiative aligns with Governor Issa Timamy’s broader agenda to position Lamu as a food basket for the region.

‎Farmers and cooperative leaders who attended the launch at Mpeketoni ATC welcomed the programme, describing it as a timely intervention to revive cotton farming in the region.

‎Also in attendance was Hon. Julius Ndegwa, Managing Director Thika Cloth Mills, Tejal Dodhia, Makueni ginners among others.

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

Lake Kenyatta Farmers Cooperative Society in Hongwe has received a major agricultural boost following the official launch of the first-ever seed pressing machine at the cooperative.

The facility, donated by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) in partnership with the County Government of Lamu is expected to significantly enhance value addition in the region’s agricultural sector.

The installation marks a key milestone in efforts to transition farmers from raw production to processing, enabling them to produce biodiesel and other by-products, including animal feed, which remains in short supply nationally.

Speaking during the launch, Lamu Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj urged farmers to fully embrace the factory, noting that value addition remains central to increasing income and creating employment opportunities.

He emphasized that processed products such as biodiesel fetch higher market value compared to raw produce, and encouraged farmers to scale up production to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the facility.

Dr. Bahjaj also announced that the County Government of Lamu, in partnership with a private investor, is set to establish a bixa processing factory as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains under Governor Issa Timamy’s administration.

AFA Chairman Hon. Cornel Serem highlighted that the seed pressing machine will enable farmers to produce biodiesel and other by-products, including animal feeds, helping address shortages in the livestock sector. He encouraged farmers to submit proposals for support, assuring them of continued AFA backing provided production levels are sustained.

He further reaffirmed AFA’s commitment to working closely with farmers and county governments to enhance agricultural productivity and value addition across the country.

Lamu County Agriculture CECM Hon. Gichu called on farmers to join cooperatives and fully embrace value addition initiatives. He noted that the Department of Agriculture will continue collaborating with partners to strengthen the sector, adding that such investments will play a key role in job creation and rural economic empowerment.

Farmers present expressed appreciation to the leadership of the county government under Governor Issa Timamy, commending ongoing efforts to transform agriculture through strategic investments and partnerships.

In attendance were Hon. Julius Ndegwa, representatives from Makueni Ginners, Managing Director of Thika Cloth Mills Tejal Dodhia, among others.

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

The Lamu County Department of Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment has continued its capacity building workshop aimed at strengthening the tourism sector by equipping stakeholders with essential skills in service excellence, sustainable tourism, and digital marketing.

The training, is being facilitated by trainers from the Technical University of Mombasa at Lamu Polytechnic.

During the sessions, participants were encouraged by a Swahili heritage expert,vMbarak Abdulkadir, to maintain high standards of cleanliness and professionalism, as well as to develop a solid understanding of the history and background of local attractions and monument sites.

The initiative underscores the county’s commitment to enhancing the quality of tourism services and promoting sustainable growth within the sector.

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

The Lamu County Department of Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment has organized a three day capacity building workshop aimed at empowering tourism stakeholders with key skills in service excellence, sustainable tourism, and digital marketing.

The training is taking place at Lamu Polytechnic and is being facilitated by trainers from the Technical University of Mombasa.

While officially opening the workshop, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment, Aisha Miraj, underscored the importance of continuous learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among stakeholders in the tourism sector.

She emphasized that in a rapidly evolving global tourism landscape, equipping local players with relevant skills is essential to remain competitive.

Miraj noted that the department remains committed to strengthening the tourism sector through targeted capacity building programs and strategic initiatives.

She also urged stakeholders to preserve and promote Lamu’s rich cultural heritage, describing it as a unique asset that distinguishes the county as a premier tourism destination.

Also in attendance were Chief Officer for Tourism, Culture, Trade and Investment Joyce Murimi, Director Ali Ahmed, and other officials from the department.

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