Category County News

Learners at Lumshi Primary School in Lamu West Sub-County have received new classroom furniture in an initiative aimed at improving the learning environment and enhancing access to quality education.

The exercise was led by Lamu Deputy Governor, His Excellency Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj, who reiterated the county leadership’s commitment to supporting education and ensuring that pupils study in a conducive environment.

The furniture was donated through the support of the Regional Director of the Human Development Fund, Mr. Abdulrahman, whose contribution has significantly boosted efforts to improve infrastructure in local schools.

Speaking during the distribution, Dr. Bahjaj emphasized that education remains the greatest equaliser in society, noting that every child deserves access to quality learning facilities regardless of their background.

The Deputy Governor further underscored the county government’s commitment to promoting fairness and inclusive opportunities in the education sector.

Dr. Bahjaj was accompanied by Hon. Julius Ndegwa, Lamu West Sub-County Chief Administrator Mr. Mwangi, Hongwe Ward Administrator Mr. Dominic, and other stakeholders who attended the event to support the initiative.

Ends

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

The County Government of Lamu has taken a significant step towards improving living conditions in informal settlements following the presentation of the Situational Analysis and Interim Strategy Report for the Lamu County Slum Upgrading and Prevention Strategy under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II).

The report highlights the current conditions in informal settlements across the county, focusing on key challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to clean water and sanitation, insecure land tenure, and environmental vulnerabilities affecting many communities.

According to the findings, the rapid growth of informal settlements has largely been driven by population increase and unplanned urban development in key areas including Mokowe, Witu, Faza, Matondoni, Kiunga, and Siyu.

The situational analysis also notes that many settlements face poor road access, lack of drainage systems, and insufficient waste management services, factors that pose health and environmental risks to residents.

The interim strategy proposes targeted interventions including upgrading of access roads, expansion of water and sanitation infrastructure, strengthening land tenure systems, and integrating environmental sustainability and climate resilience in settlement planning.

Once finalized, the strategy will guide coordinated efforts between the County Government of Lamu, the national government, development partners, and local communities to improve living standards and promote safe, dignified, and sustainable settlements across the county.

— Ends —

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

I was deeply honored to host the COIN-10 — Committee on the Implementation of the NADCO Report — in my office earlier today.

The delegation was led by Hon. Dr. Agnes Zani and Mr. Javas Bigambo. I was joined by Hon. MCAs Barisa Deko, Ahmed Medo, Asha Mohamed, Amina, and Mercy Riziki.

We held extensive discussions on several pressing issues affecting Lamu County, key among them being the low shareable revenue allocation, which continues to severely disadvantage Lamu and hinder effective service delivery.

We also emphasized critical infrastructural interventions necessary to curb insecurity and unlock economic potential, including the urgent tarmacking of the Hindi–Kiunga and Mangai–Kiunga roads, as well as fast-tracking the Mangai Dam project to address the perennial water challenges in the Boni enclave.

Further, we discussed unemployment and the need to expand opportunities for the people of Lamu, particularly around the transformative LAPSSET Corridor Project.

We remain committed to sustained engagement to ensure Lamu receives its fair share of national resources and development.

Dr. Mbarak M. Bahjaj

Deputy Governor #005

Lamu County

Lamu County has been ranked 8th nationally in the latest Overall County Ranking on Automation, E-Government and Employment Creation, achieving an impressive final score of 79.9 percent.

The ranking assessed counties on citizen experience (front-end services), automation of revenue systems (back-end), smart government initiatives, and employment creation. Lamu recorded a strong 32.3 in Citizen Experience, 20.6 in system automation, a full 10.0 in Smart Government initiatives, and 17.0 out of 35 in employment creation.

This milestone has been attributed to the transformative leadership of Governor Issa Timamy EGH, OGW, whose administration has prioritized digitization of county services, automation of revenue collection, and innovation-driven governance. Under his leadership, Lamu has strengthened service delivery systems, improved transparency, and enhanced efficiency across departments.

Governor Timamy has consistently championed the integration of technology in public administration as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. His focus on modernizing county operations and empowering youth and local entrepreneurs continues to position Lamu as a progressive and competitive county.

The ranking reaffirms Lamu’s steady rise as a model of smart governance and sustainable development.

Ends

For more information contact communication@lamu.go.ke

The Department of Infrastructure and Public Works has officially commenced construction of the Myabogi Footbridge, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve accessibility and safety within the community.

For many years, residents have faced difficulties crossing the seasonal waterway, particularly during the rainy season when flooding makes movement dangerous and at times impossible.

The new footbridge is expected to provide a safe, reliable, and permanent crossing point, easing daily movement for residents of all ages.

Beyond improving physical connectivity, the project stands out for its strong focus on youth empowerment.

Local young people have been directly engaged in the construction process, creating employment opportunities while equipping them with valuable technical and practical skills.

This inclusive approach ensures that development not only delivers infrastructure but also strengthens community capacity and ownership.

Once completed, the Myabogi Footbridge will enhance access to schools, health facilities, and markets, while also supporting local economic activities.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Land, Infrastructure and Urban planning, Tashrifa Bakari, said the project is designedOfficials from the Department reaffirmed their commitment to implementing sustainable, people centered projects that directly improve livelihoods.

— Ends —

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

Residents of Jima village, past Pandanguo, are set to benefit from improved access to clean and reliable water following the county government’s announcement of a new solar powered water project under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Program (FLOCCA).

The proposed borehole site is located in Jima village near an elderly well that dates back to the colonial period, highlighting the area’s long history of water challenges.

The new initiative aims to modernize water access by installing solar powered boreholes and water distribution systems to serve households in both Jima and Pandanguo.

Speaking during the announcement, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT,Climate Change and E government, Aisha Shariff, said the project is designed to address long standing water shortages while promoting climate-resilient infrastructure.

“This initiative will not only provide clean and safe water but will also ensure sustainability through the use of solar energy,” she said. “Our goal is to bring water services closer to the people and reduce the burden on families, particularly women and children who often travel long distances in search of water.”

Once completed, residents are expected to access clean well water near their homes, significantly improving daily living conditions.

Community members have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the project will transform water access in the area and contribute to long term social and economic growth.

— Ends —

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

On Wednesday, the County Government of Lamu, in partnership with Thika Cloth Mill, officially opened a modern cotton collection store in Bahari Ward. The facility is designed to provide a central hub where local cotton farmers can sell their produce directly, ensuring better prices, reducing middlemen, and improving access to storage and grading facilities.

According to Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, the initiative is expected to boost farmers’ income, enhance cotton quality, and strengthen the county’s agro-based economy.

Governor Timamy also conducted an impromptu inspection of the cotton ginnery at Ziwani, Bahari Ward, to assess ongoing operations and ensure efficiency in processing.

Joining the Governor for the opening was his Deputy, HE. Dr. Mbarak Mohamed, Local Administrator Mr. Mwangi, Governor’s Political Advisor and Former MP Hon. Ndegwa, CoS Mr. Issa Abdulnasir, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas among other top county officials.

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

On Wednesday, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy EGH made an impromptu visit to inspect the ongoing construction of a cotton ginning factory at Ziwani in Bahari Ward, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding value addition and agro-processing across the county.

The factory is being established by Thika Cloth Mills and is expected to be completed by May this year. Once operational, it will boost cotton farming, create employment opportunities and enhance farmers’ incomes through local processing.

Speaking at the site, Governor Timamy said his government remains committed to supporting investments that unlock Lamu’s agricultural potential.

The Governor, who was accompanied by his Deputy H.E. Dr. Mbarak Mohamed, noted that a coconut processing plant in Mkunumbi Ward, a cashew nut factory in Hindi Ward and a fruit processing plant in Mkunumbi Ward are all part of his broader initiative to establish factories in Lamu for the first time since the advent of devolution.

Agriculture CECM Hon. James Gichu urged farmers to take advantage of the upcoming plants, adding that his department is working to ensure farmers receive better seed varieties this planting season.

_Ends_

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

Deputy Governor HE Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj this week held a reconciliatory meeting with communities affected by the recent loss of 53 cows in Witu Ward. The gathering brought together leaders and representatives from the Mijikenda, Kikuyu, and Orma communities to discuss the incident and chart a way forward.

Dr. Bahjaj assured residents that Governor Issa Timamy is committed to compensating families once assessments are complete. He noted that authorities are awaiting a toxicology report to determine the cause of the cattle deaths.

The Deputy Governor appealed to all communities to remain calm and uphold peace, emphasizing that unity is critical during this period. He encouraged dialogue and collaboration among the groups to prevent conflict.

He also highlighted the county’s long-term solution. The Lamu County Spatial Plan, which is nearing completion, includes designated grazing corridors to ensure farmers and livestock owners each have their space, reducing the likelihood of future disputes.

The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with community leaders expressing appreciation for the county government’s proactive approach in addressing the incident and supporting affected families.

_Ends_

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

The County Government of Lamu under the leadership of H.E. Issa Timamy, EGH, OGW, on Friday officially commissioned a modern coconut processing plant, marking a major milestone in advancing value addition and agro-industrial growth in the county.

The project was co-funded by Kentaste Products Limited and the Sustainable Urban Economic Development Programme (SUED), funded by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and managed by FSD Kenya.

‎

‎The plant is expected to provide a reliable market for more than 5,000 coconut farmers and create over 90 full-time jobs, particularly for youth and women. By processing coconuts locally into high-value products, the factory will retain more economic value within Lamu and strengthen the county’s position as a competitive agro-processing hub.

Governor Timamy said the investment reflects his administration’s commitment to industrialization, farmer empowerment, and sustainable economic transformation through strategic partnerships that convert county priorities into tangible development projects.

‎

‎The commissioning ceremony was attended by Diana Dalton, Deputy High Commissioner at the British High Commission; National Government representatives, County top leadership led by Hon. James Gichu, CECM for Agriculture; among others.

‎

‎Ends.

‎

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