The timeless tradition of dhow sailing took centre stage during the Kiwayu Governor’s Dhow Race, providing a spectacular celebration of Lamu’s rich maritime heritage.
The race formed part of the two-day Kiwayu Cultural Festival held on 28th and 29th August 2026, attracting attention to the island and its tourism potential.
Beyond entertainment, the event contributed to the local economy by bringing visitors and creating opportunities for businesses and residents.
Governor Issa Timamy attended the festival accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj, MP for Matuga Constituency, Hon. Kassim Tandaza, CECMs and Chief Officers, as the County Government and Kiwayu community celebrated their shared coastal heritage.
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The Kiwayu Cultural Festival concluded on a high note with participants across various competitions recognized and rewarded for their efforts.
The prize-giving ceremony capped two days of cultural, sporting and community activities held on 28th and 29th August 2026. Cash prizes were awarded to successful competitors, while the festival’s fish auction also generated income for local fishermen.
Organized by the Lamu County Government in collaboration with the Kiwayu community, the festival received support from Pembe Flour Mill, Captain Andy’s and NRT.
Governor Issa Timamy attended the ceremony accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj, MP for Matuga Constituency, Hon. Kassim Tandaza, CECMs and Chief Officers.
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Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has hosted senior officials from WWF Kenya and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in a high level engagement aimed at strengthening partnerships in conservation and sustainable development in Lamu County.
The WWF Kenya delegation was led by Chief Executive Officer Jackson Kiplagat, while The Nature Conservancy team was led by Country Director Ruth Masha.
The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration between the county government and conservation partners in protecting Lamu’s rich natural resources, promoting sustainable development and ensuring local communities benefit from conservation initiatives.
The delegation also visited the Eco Tourism Facility at Shaka La Siyu on Amu Island, which was funded by WWF Kenya for the Lamu Community Forest Association (LAMACOFA).
Governor Timamy reaffirmed the County Government of Lamu’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with conservation organisations and development partners to safeguard the county’s ecosystems while supporting economic opportunities for its communities.
The engagement was attended by CECM for Climate Change, ICT, E Government and Citizen Participation Aisha Shariff,CECM for Blue Economy, Fisheries and Cooperative Sabrina Mkare, CECM for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning Mohamed Bwana, Chief of Staff Abdulnassir Issa, among other county government officials.
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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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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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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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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.
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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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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