Today marked the 59th national Jamhuri Day celebrations with Lamu East residents from all walks of life being treated with pomp and colour at the county level celebrations that were held at Faza primary school grounds in Faza Ward.

Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Timamy accompanied by First Lady H.E. Hajara Albusaidy and Lamu County Commissioner Mr. Irungu Macharia, led the county in the national celebrations at Faza, making it the first such national celebration to be held in Lamu East.

Speaking during the ceremony, where hundreds of attendants were treated to a galore of entertainment, the A.N.C. Party leader thanked his fellow elected leaders for the peaceful coexistence and teamwork. He further asked all Lamu residents to take this celebrations as a time to reflect on the commitment, dedication, selflessness and patriotism of the sons and daughters of our forefathers who laid their lives for Kenya to be free.

“We are marking this year’s Jamhuri day against the backdrop of 100 days as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Lamu County. Within that period, my administration has managed to put in place structures that will support our development agenda for our great county” Governor Timamy said.

The A.N.C party leader who was awarded E.G.H title today by President Dr. William Ruto, in recognition of his distinguished services rendered to the nation in various capacities, said his administration was in the process of reviewing the Universal Health Care coverage to ensure it’s effective and only covers deserving persons. He further noted that the county was in the process of digitizing all health facilities, a move that will curb leakages and improve on efficiency and service delivery.

While congratulating the new C.E.C.M’s nominees that will be sworn in tomorrow, Governor Timamy committed to continue supporting the bursaries and scholarships as a way of empowering the Lamu community by providing equal access of education to all. He also noted that his administration will roll out fortified ‘Uji’ program to all E.C.D.E centers but urged parents to take part and support the program by volunteering to cook for their children in schools. “In bid to help in retaining children in schools and reduce malnutrition, my administration will be launching free fortified porridge in all our E.C.D.E centers across the county. However, I call upon parents and guardians from those centers to volunteer in cooking for our children on rotational basis as a way of making the program successful” stated Timamy.

The Council of Governors Blue Economy Chairperson who was leading the national celebrations for the first time in Lamu East, assured the fishermen who have been seeking for compensation that his administration will work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the fishermen who were displaced by the new Lamu port — LAPSSET — are fully compensated.

The county boss further declared war on drug dealers and cartels in Lamu and assured the public that his administration will work closely with the National Government to curb the drug problem in Lamu.

“Youth constitute an integral part of Lamu’s population and hence my government will remain steadfast in focusing on initiatives that would lead to their socio-economic empowerment” he added.

Lamu County Commisioner Mr. Irungu Macharia who read the President’s speech, called for concerted efforts between the national and county governments leaders in implementation of development projects for the good of the people.

Lamu Deputy Governor H.E. Raphael Munyua committed to assist the Governor to deliver on their mandate and on all the pledges that they made during the campaigns. He further urged politicians and leaders across the political divide to concert their efforts on issues that are geared in aiding Lamu towards it’s recovery path.

Next year’s Jamhuri day celebrations will be held in Kiunga under the new county rotational celebrations program. Mashujaa day shall be held at Witu while Madaraka Day shall be celebrated at Mpeketoni.

Also in attendance was, Lamu West M.P Hon. Ruweida Obo, Senator Hon. Joseph Githuku, Women Rep. Hon. Muthoni Marubu, County Executive Committee Members nominees, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas Ali, Chief of Staff Mr. Mr. Abdulnasir M. Issa among others.

Lamu Governor and Council of Governors Blue Economy committee H.E. Governor Issa Timamy is currently in Hola, Tana River county attending the 4th Jumuiya Agribusiness & Blue Economy Investment Conference.

The A.N.C party leader who delivered his maiden speech yesterday called on Blue Economy investors to explore the vast investment opportunities in Coastal counties that will create jobs, spur economic growth, mitigate the impacts of climate change and help meet the food needs of the growing global population.

Governor Timamy further noted that Kenya’s marine and coastal fisheries have a high potential growth adding tthat Kenya’s Blue Economy could easily contribute three times its present share of gross domestic product , create jobs and bring prosperity to millions of Kenyans.

“Blue Economy sector already supports an estimated two million people directly and indirectly as fishers, traders, processers, input suppliers, merchants of fishing accessories, and providers of related services. It plays an important role in job creation, income generation, nutrition and food security” said Governor Timamy.

The three day conference which started yesterday and is being attended by the coastal Governors under the theme of Innovative Investments in Blue Economy, Urbanization and Regenerative Transformation.

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Governor Issa A. Timamy is currently leading relief food drive for Mswakini , Bora Bodhei, Milimani ndogo, Kaloleni and Ndununi residents in Bargoni Ward.

The relief food distribution program will help drought-stricken Lamu residents cope with the effects of the raging drought and aims to cushion residents against the effects of the ravaging drought .

The lack of rain has exacerbated drought conditions, resulting in poor to no harvests for Lamu’s small-holder farmers and water and vegetation scarcity for the livestock herding communities.

Governor Timamy is accompanied by Lamu Deputy County Commisoner Mr. Charles Kitheka and and Lamu County Police Commander Mr. Moses Murithii.

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The 20th Lamu Cultural Festival, which featured exhilarating water sports to thrilling cultural dances and dazzling arts came to a close this Saturday evening 27th November 2022.

The event was hosted by the Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Abdalla Timamy and graced by a host of dignitaries led by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Ambassadors, Political leaders drawn from across the country, local leaders among others .

The three day action packed Lamu Festival 2022 attracted over 40,000 foreign and local tourists to the beautiful Lamu archipelago, enthralling them with activities like; dhow races, donkey races, fishing competition, traditional henna paintings, numerous poetry readings, music performances and competitive Bao games and an endless selection of mouth watering Lamu cuisine.

This year’s festival’s theme, “A melting pot of variety and multiculturalism,” played a key role in emphasizing the richness of Lamu’s culture, promoting intercultural understanding, and showcasing the rich and varied cultural manifestations of Lamu’s different communities.

Speaking during the donkey racing competition, H.E. Mudavadi lauded the Lamu county government for meticulously and successfuly organizing cultural events, which were heavily dependent on the outdoors and focused on bringing artforms and broader cultural expressions into unusual locations and innovative combinations..

“I’m glad to be in Lamu the Island that conjure dreams of paradise: an escape from the rat race and a perfect patch of sand where you can relax under rustling palms and gaze at a serene blue sea to celebrate and explore the rich culture that is a once-in-a-lifetime communal cultural experiences” said the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Timamy thanked everyone who contributed to the event’s success, emphasizing that the purpose of this year’s celebration was to foster a sense of shared euphoria and collective joy that was in keeping with Lamu’s rich social heritage that not only define Lamu County, but also binds the society to pass it on from one generation to another.

“There is no disputing the value of cultural festivals, and we are cognizant of the fact that none of our social interactions are as energizing as the festival. Participating in this year’s festival gives one a chance to learn about the cultural histories of our different communities, as well as to value variety, promote peace and cohesiveness, and support these communities,” said the A.N.C national party leader.

The event has brought Lamu Island roaring back to life after a protracted break caused by the impacts of COVID-19 with winners in various categories being honored with cash prizes.

Among those in attendance were top national government officials, dignatries and diplomats including Marsabit Governor H.E. Mahamoud Ali, Garissa Governor H.E. Nadhif Jama, Lamu Deputy Governor H.E. Raphael Munyua, Ambassadors H.E Khalid Bin Abdullah Al-Salman-Saudi Arabia, H.E V.Pantazopoulou-Greece, H.E. Rasheed Qusai-Kuwait, H.E. Ole Thonke-Denmark, Lamu County Senator Hon.Githuku, Lamu County Members of Parliament, MCAs among others.

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Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E. Musalia Mudavadi has today arrived in Lamu to celebrate the 20th Annual cultural festivals.

The former A.N.C Party leader was recieved by H.E. Governor Issa Timamy who was joined by his Deputy H.E. Raphael Munyua.

The three day cultural festival kicked off yesterday in high gear and was graced by the Lamu Governor and A.N.C Party Leader where thousands of visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy traditional dances, cooking displays, donkey racing, mashua racing, iron man triathlon, cultural displays, soccer, swimming and fishing competitions among others.

This is year’s event is being held at Lamu Island which is a world heritage site and the oldest surviving swahili town. It is running under the theme; ‘A melting pot of diversity and multiculturalism” which is a key driver in celebrating the diversity in our cultures, promoting intercultural understanding and showcasing various communities’ rich and diverse cultural expressions.

The Deputy Governor later accompanied the Prime Cabinet Minister on a tour to the Port of Lamu, where they deliberated on how to optimize the port operations and unlock it’s potential by creating employment, opening up opportunities as well as positioning Lamu as an economic hub within the coastal region.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary is among top government officials and dignitaries who are in Lamu to celebrate this year’s festival.

“We are alive to the fact that culture can be used to foster peace, unity, and integration and ultimately enhance county and national development. I am glad to be in Lamu today to celebrate this years cultural festivals where this great county has been able yo bring out its magic of the Kenyan coastal Island” Said the Prime Cabinet Secretary, adding that this event will significantly increase both domestic and international tourist arrivals.

Lamu Deputy Governor praised the event as a platform for marketing Lamu’s culture within the region and internationally.
“This festival aims at bringing together local and foreign tourists to celebrate the rich diversity of Lamu cultural heritage and creativity. Under the leadership of Governor Timamy we intend to use this festival as a platform to promote cultural tourism as well as conservation, safeguarding and development of our cultural heritage. The event has created direct employment to thousands of youths and has also positioned Lamu as the most preferred tourist destination,” said the Deputy Governor.

Lamu is one of the largest and most visited islands renowned for its Swahili cultural heritage, donkey sanctuaries, white sandy beaches, pristine blue waters and many cultural traditions.

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H.E the Governor Issa Timamy has today witnessed the swearing in of ambassador Ali Abass Ali to be the new county secretary of Lamu County Government.

KPA Chairman General Retired Joseph Kibwana accompanied by Board of Directors yesterday paid a courtesy call on the Lamu County Deputy Governor H.E. Raphael Munywa to discuss on how they can sustain their relationship towards developing the Lamu port.

Lamu County is among the six counties that are set to benefit from Sh. 3.5 billion grant from the European Union to support the Blue Economy projects.

The grant will be coordinated by the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP), the regional economic bloc representing  and will include Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Taita Taveta counties respectively.

The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms team has today paid a courtesy call to Lamu Deputy Governor, H.E Raphael Munyua in his office, after a two days tour in Lamu to receive views from stakeholders on the implementation of Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).

The taskforce was formed by H.E President William Ruto in September to collect views countrywide on matter relating to education reforms including the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The team led by Prof. Laila Abubakar made preliminary engagements with the Deputy Governor and presented their Terms of Reference.

Lamu Deputy Governor commended the work being done by the task force, and added that the views collected will help towards restructuring, implementation and improving the quality of the C.B.C system for the best interests of our children.

“I welcome the opportunity presented to the great people of Lamu to share their views and experiences on the CBC system with the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms with a view of modifying it to conform with the aspirations of all the stakeholders in the sector.” stated the Deputy Governor.

Today, the team is in Lamu West to collect views at Mokowe arid zone where they are meeting various stakeholders.

Also in attendance was Lamu County Commissioner Mr. irungu Macharia among other members of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms team that included Prof. Hassan Mwakimaleo, Mr. Paul Lilan, Mr. J.K Kaaga, Mr. Sebastian Owanga among others.
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For more information contact
Lamu County Government Communications Office at; communication@lamu.go.ke

Lamu Governor H.E Issa Timamy has just concluded inspecting Lake Kenyatta critical key water inlets at Pangani, Mukuru and Mugumoini respectively.

The Governor is accompanied by his Deputy H.E Raphael Munyua in a fact finding mission to establish the cause of the shrunk Lake Kenyatta which is the only Lake that has fresh water in Lamu County.

The Governor is now at Lake Kenyatta river bank in a consultative meeting with farmers, herdsmen, fishermen and key stakeholders to discuss on how to conserve and save Lake Kenyatta and thereafter sign an action plan.

Also in attendance is Lamu County Commisoner, Deputy County Commissioner, C.E.M Hon. Paul Thairu HSC, C.E.C.M Dr. Anne Gathoni, Lamu County Chief of Staff among others.

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For more information contact
Lamu County Government Communications Office at; communication@lamu.go.ke