Mr. Abdalla Ahmed, Chief Officer Education, has urged students and youths across the county to take advantage of the county’s largest scholarship and bursary program to secure a better future for themselves and their families.

“The administration of Governor Fahim Twaha believes that every child deserves an education. It is a fundamental human right. Governor Fahim Twaha is committed to increasing access, retention, and transition to secondary schools, colleges, and universities for all Lamu youths by providing equal access to scholarships and bursaries “Mr. Ahmed stated

Mr. Abdalla Ahmed was addressing over 600 KCPE candidates drawn from different schools in Witu ward and Witu secondary school students, during a student’s guidance session by national Motivational speaker, Mr Wambungu wa Kamau.

He urged the kids to concentrate on their academics, stating that education has the potential of opening opportunities for those who take it seriously.

“Poverty levels could be cut in half if all adults finished secondary school, which is why Governor Fahim Twaha has set up the largest education fund since devolution began. Over 2,100 students with a KCPE score of 300 or higher are getting full scholarships from the county right now; this is four times the number of students who qualified when the initiative began in 2018/19. Another 8,500 secondary school students in boarding schools and day schools who could not get a score of 300 or higher are receiving Sh10,000 in boarding schools and Sh6,000 in day schools, respectively. Higher education will cover 2,200 students in colleges and universities, as well as another 4,000 in local TVETS.” He continued,

Chairman Witu Ward Bursary Committee Mr. Bwanamkuu Fumo, KESSHA representative,Witu Mjini Secondary School Board of Management, School Principal and Administration, Fund Manager CDF Lamu west were among those who attended the students motivating event.

-ENDS-

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at

info@lamu.go.ke

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Lamu County’s youth will soon be able to enjoy their sports in better conditions as construction of new state-of-the-art sports and recreational facilities progress.

The Lamu County Government’s Department of Sports has begun constructing three seven-a-side Astro-turf pitches in Shela, Lamu Boys, and Twaif as part of the county’s sports infrastructure development strategy.

Tchundwa Stadium’s Dias project is also in the works in Faza Ward. Two basketball courts are also being constructed from the ground up in Muungano, Bahari Ward, and Twaif, Mkomani Ward.

The six grassroots projects are part of Lamu County Governor Fahim Twaha’s overall sports promotion plan, which aims to help find, nurture, and develop indigenous sporting potential.

Governor Fahim Twaha identified sports as one of the crucial aspects in his administration’s objective to promote education, peace, violence prevention, gender equality, and good health among youth, yesterday January 2nd 2022, at the County offices in Mokowe.

“Sports are critical in keeping youth away from vices that are becoming increasingly common, such as drug abuse. Young people who participate in sports learn important life skills like communication, collaboration, and leadership, which increase their self-confidence and help them prepare for the job market.” Governor Fahim stated.

He went on to say that sports will bring the Lamu community together, fostering oneness.

“The team players work together in unity disregarding their differences while their supporters get together in harmony to cheer on their team, putting aside political tensions and cultural differences. Sport brings entertainment to people as they take a break from their daily routines ” he continued

Hon. Paul Thairu, HSC, CECM Education Technology, Youth Affairs, Sports, Gender and Social Services, further emphasized the importance of sports in encouraging physical fitness/ health as well as boosting Lamu County’s brand, selling the county to the globe, and improving its image.

“Physical activity promotes fitness and general well-being, therefore a sporting community has a good quality of life. Sports are particularly important in the growth of children since they teach life values like patience, leadership, teamwork, and self-esteem ” he stated.

Mr. Peter Ndichu, the County Director of Sports, said that having the necessary sports facilities at the ward level is a step in the right direction and would result in a lot of progress in the County’s sports. He added that the sporting infrastructure will enable leagues at all levels enabling frequent matches which are critical for the development of local talent.

_Ends_

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at

info@lamu.go.ke

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Hon. Paul Thairu, HSC, CECM Education, led a team of top officials from the County Department of Education in handing over the County’s ECDE project to the awarded contractor in Nairobi area, Witu Ward on Monday 31st January 2021.

The Nairobi area ECDE project is one of seven that the Department of Education will commission this year, with Tewa, Muungano, Muhamarani, and Mugumoini already turned over last week, January 25th 2022.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Nairobi area, Education CECM Hon Paul Thairu, HSC, underlined that, Governor Fahim Twaha’s administration is determined to expanding access to quality early learning to set Lamu’s young children on a brighter path to lifelong learning.

‘Education is at the heart of Governor Fahim Twaha’s approach to social reform, and we are dedicated to supporting a holistic early childhood development for the County’s future generation of children aged 4-5 years. Hon Thairu stated, “We have been on a journey to establish a solid and long-lasting basis for Lamu’s ECDE sector.”

“In a child’s first five years, the brain matures faster than at any other time and is at its most malleable – these early years are a critical period for getting children the care and learning opportunities we know they need to succeed in school and grow up to be healthy and productive adults,” he added.

Mr. Abdalla Ahmed, Chief Officer Education, said the project will provide relief to Nairobi area’s youngest learners, who have previously been forced to walk long distances to school.

“Because at 4-5 years old these children are particularly vulnerable, it is critical that they study in a safe, congenial atmosphere closer to home rather than trekking long distances to school.” Mr. Ahmed stated

In the last four fiscal years, the County Government has built a total of 28 ECDEs, with seven more planned for this fiscal year. Aside from infrastructure, the County has hired over 112 ECDE instructors, with 80% of them already promoted to the next job group.

Over 4,000 seats and 1300 tables were sent to each of the 145 ECDEs across the county last financial year, together with KSh 5 million worth of teaching materials.

Witu ward MCA, Hon. Jonathan Mketa, Assistant County Commissioner, Emmanuel Koech, Area Chief, Simon Macharia, Mr. Athman Kheri, ECDE coordinator, Edwin Karanja, Quantity Surveyor, and Mr. Charles Murigi, Building Inspector were among those in attendance._

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For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at

info@lamu.go.ke

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Over 100 ECDE leaders and teachers drawn from across the county attended the first introductory face-to-face session for the ongoing professional learning program, 2022 this Friday, January 28th 2022 at the Royal Park Hotel in Mpeketoni.

The Lamu County Government’s Department of Education, in collaboration with the Agha Khan Foundation, is launching the program to improve teaching excellence in Lamu by investing in teachers’ professional development.

CECM Education Hon. Paul Thairu, HSC, speaking when he officially launched the program, lauded the partnership with the Agha Khan Foundation, saying it greatly complements the County Government’s ongoing efforts to uplift the Lamu Community through universal access to quality education. He terms the program as vital because it will discover and develop high-quality teachers who are committed to children’ overall development as well as their own professional development as excellent teachers.

“The provision of professional development will aid in the establishment of a professional community of capable, well-resourced teachers. A capable workforce that will aid Governor Fahim Twaha’s vision of universal access to high-quality education. Since devolution, the County Government has successfully developed the largest education fund, ensuring that education is accessible to all . This will help to ensure our children enjoy the best quality education as well. ” Hon Thairu stated

The teachers are divided into three groups, each with 30 participants, to get training in the areas of language, numeracy (mathematics), and leadership. The best six performers in each area will be elevated to the position of trainers.

The one-year scholarship program comprises of programs for teachers in a variety of academic areas, as well as specialized programs concentrating on education-related skills and understandings.

It will also work to improve teachers’ professional competency by improving their topic knowledge and examining how to successfully teach their subject. Each program alternates between intensive learning activities and a prolonged time of assisted application and observation in the tachers’ own classrooms.

The shortlisted teachers will be facilitated by the Agha Khan Academy Mombasa and will continue with the sessions via distance learning and learning walks by the facilitators in the schools.

In attendance were representatives of The Agha Khan Foundation, British Council and Canadian Embassy; as well as Dr. Joseph Ng’ang’a, Chief Officer Youth and Sporting, Mr. Peter Ndichu, County Director of Sports, Mr. Kassim Mohamed County Youth Coordinator, Senior Sports Officer Mr. Abubakar Abubakar, and other senior officials from the County Department of Education.

_Ends_

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government’s Communications Office @

info@lamu.go.ke

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H.E Governor Fahim Twaha has got a second nod as the Council of Governors Technical Committee Chairman on Blue Economy.

H.E. Twaha was one of 18 Governors elected to lead the Council of Governors’ (CoG) Committees during the CoG’s leadership elections held at the Tamarind hotel in Nairobi yesterday January 27, 2022.

Since the inception of the CoG Blue Economy Committee in 2021, Governor Fahim has shepherded the Blue Growth Agenda between counties and the national government, specifically the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and employment.

Governor Twaha stated after the elections that his Committee will bring together key players at the county and national level to restructure long-standing legacy policies in order to produce sustainable solutions for the local and national fishing sector that include: Increasing local fishermen’s capacity for deep sea fishing; development of fishing infrastructure in counties, fishing fleets, fish processing plants, aquaculture and fisheries legislation.

H.E. Governor Martin Wambora was also re-elected as the Council of Governors Chair, with H.E. James Ongwae as Vice Chairman and H.E. Eng Alex Tolgos as the CoG Whip.

Other elected Committee chair persons include;

1. Health Committee- H.E Hon. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, EGH

2. Agriculture Livestock and Cooperatives- H.E Dr. James Nyoro Karanja

3. Water, Forestry and Natural Resource Management Committee- H.E Francis Thuita Kimemia, EGH, CBS, HSC

4. Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs Committee- H.E Hon. Ndiritu Muriithi

5. Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Committee- H.E Prof. Paul Kiprono Chepkwony, EGH

6. Legal, Constitutional Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Committee- H.E Hon. Kiraitu Murungi, EGH

7. Education Committee- H.E Edward Mutahi Kahiga

8. Human Resources and Labour Committee- H.E Hon. Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati

9. Energy, Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Committee- H.E Hon. Prof. John Krop Lonyangapuo, CBS

10. Trade, Industry, Manufacturing and Enterprise Development Committee- H.E Hon. Charity Kaluki Ngilu,EGH

11. Land, Housing and Urban Development Committee- H.E Hon. Lee Maiyani Kinyanjui

12. Environment and Climate Change Committee- H.E Dr. Wilber Ottichillo

13. Gender, Youth, Culture, Sports and Social Services Committee- H.E Anne Waiguru, EGH,OGW

14. Tourism and Wildlife Committee- H.E Samuel Ole Tunai

15. Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) and Disaster Management Committee – H.E Cpt. Ali Roba

16. Security and Foreign Affairs- H.E Dr. Maj. (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana

17. Information, Communication and Technology Committee- H.E Jackson Mandago

Kenya is prioritizing the repositioning of the Blue Economy as an enabler of the Vision 2030 economic roadmap.

If properly utilized, Kenya’s Blue Economy and its 142,400 square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone have the potential to contribute three times the country’s current proportion of GDP.

-Ends-

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at

info@lamu.go.ke

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Young learners at Tewa, Muungano, Muhamarani and Mugumoini will soon enjoy Early Child Education Centers (ECDEs) closer home following Lamu County’s project handover to awarded contractors.

The four ECDEs are part of the seven that will be commissioned this year by the Department of Education.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Muhamarani, Education CECM Hon Paul Thairu, HSC said that education is at the center of Governor Fahim Twaha’s social transformation approach and the need to lay a solid and lifelong foundation for the County’s next generation of children aged 4-5 years.

“Because the first six years of life are the most crucial for human growth, it’s no surprise that a county’s progress is judged by the quality of schooling its children enjoy. The administration of Governor Fahim Twaha has made significant investments in child education during their formative years in the last four years.” Hon. Thairu stated

“Our strategic goal has been to ensure that these young ones learn in a safe setting, receive quality education by hiring trained ECDE teachers, and providing teaching aids, chairs, and tables,” he added.

A total of 28 ECDEs have so far been built in the last four financial years, and seven more will be built this financial year.

6 ECDEs were built in the 2017-18 financial year at Bobo in Hindi Ward, Ndambwe at Mkunumbi Ward, Sese at Hongwe Ward, Kizingitini Girls at Faza Ward and at Amkeni and Pangani at Witu Ward.

In the 2018-19 financial year, the County built the Ishakani ECDE in Kiunga Ward.

In 2019-2020 financial year, 13 ECDEs were built at Siyu in Faza Ward, Mangu, Sikomani, Lake Kenyatta and Lumshi in Bahari Ward; Mikinduni and Kizuke in Mkunumbi, Tangeni and Thakuthaku in Witu Ward; Bomani and Jipendeni in Hongwe Ward, Hindi in Hindi Ward Upendo ECDE in Bahari Ward and Mararani in Shela Ward.

In the 2020-21 financial year, 8 ECDEs were completed at Bahari, Sinambio and Jericho in Hongwe Ward; India in Mkomani Ward, Kakathe in Witu Ward, Shekale in Mkunumbi Ward, Milimani in Basuba Ward and Kizingitini in Faza Ward.

Beyond infrastructural development, the County has employed over 112 ECDE teachers, with 80% of them already promoted to the next job group. There are over 4,000 chairs and 1300 tables, as well as KSh 5 Million worth of learning resources sent to each of the 145 ECDEs across the county last financial year .

MCA Mkunumbi Ward Paul Kimani, Representative of the MCA Bahari Ward Anthony Njomo, Mr. Athman, ECDE Coordinator, and Mr. Edwin Karanja, Quantity Surveyor accompanied Hon Thairu for the site handover .

_Ends_

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at info@lamu.go.ke

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More than 1,770 Hindi ward households received food aid today as part of the continuing County relief food drive to cushion residents against the effects of drought.

Among the areas covered include; Safirisi, Ungu, Mkunguni, Kiongoni, Ndeu, Kibokoni, Saba A and Saba B, Kaudhara, Belebele, Visima Nzale, Mkondoni, Sinambio among others.

The County Government’s food drive, which began in late 2021 in response to a prolonged drought, has so far covered six wards including Witu, Hongwe, Bahari, Mkunumbi, Basuba and Hindi.

The initiative will resume in Mokowe town in Hindi ward next week before moving on to Faza ward, Kiunga ward, Mkomani Ward and Shela ward with approximately 32,000 families targeted by the end of the exercise.

Senior County officials led the activity, including CECM Education, Hon. Paul Thairu, HSC, CECM Trade, Hon. Josephat Musembi, CECM Health, Dr. Anne Gathoni, COS Mr. Mohammed Bute, and County Secretary, Mr. John Mburu.

-ENDS-

Story by : Sadik Mulei

For more information Contact Communications Office@ info@lamu.go.ke

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Hon. Peter Munya, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, is touring the projected Export Livestock Marshaling Yard at Lamu Port and the Bargoni Pre-export Quarantine Area, which would be utilized to export livestock to other parts of the world.

The State Department for Livestock (SDL) intends to establish a Livestock Disease-Free Compartment in Lamu County, develop a marshalling yard at Lamu Port and a bio-secured holding facility for livestock finishing at Bargoni Holding Ground in collaboration with Kenya Ports Authority.

The Witu Satellite Laboratory’s facilities and accompanying infrastructure will also be upgraded to provide diagnostic services to the manufacturers.

CS Munya explained during a meeting with local leaders that the recent Lamu Port has designated space and infrastructure for handling live animals for export, as opposed to the major port of Mombasa, which does not.

“Lamu port will have a specific section for handling live animals that are ready to be exported. This port will serve as Kenya’s new livestock export hub” CS Munya stated.

Hon. Fahima Araphat, OGW, speaking on behalf of H.E Fahim Twaha, CECM Fisheries Agriculture and Livestock, emphasized the project’s advantages to the Lamu people, applauding the State Department of Livestock for maintaining inclusive participation of all stakeholders throughout the process.

“Lamu County is rich in livestock resources, with over 30 pastoralist settlements and proximity to important animal production hubs including Tana River, Wajir, Garissa, and Kajiado. The existence of the facility in Lamu will provide better prices for local pastoralists’ animals, as well as job opportunities for our youth at Quarantine facilities and the Marshaling Yard,”Hon. Fahima stated.

She continued, “Our farmers can now plant and sell pasture as hay to feed animals in quarantine and on ship transit. Our infrastructure, including water services will improve.

“Governor Fahim Twaha’s administration, according to Hon. Fahima, is committed to the program, she however, maintains that, in light of the recent spate of attacks in the county, it is critical for the Ministry of Lands to fast track issuance of title deeds .

On behalf of H.E Governor Twaha, Hon. Fahima received Hon. Munya, Principal Secretary State Department for Livestock Harry Kimutai and the Chief Administrative Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Lawrence Omuhakha.

Other leaders present included Lamu West MP Hon. Stanely Muthama,Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia, Hongwe MCA Hon James Komu, LAPSSET regional manager Salim Buni, among others.

Ends.

Story by Patrick Ochieng

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office @ info@lamu.go.ke

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Governor Fahim Twaha has assured residents of Hindi Ward that Lamu County is working round the clock with the National Government to fast track issuance of their title deeds.

This follows the completion of the survey process by Lamu County Government for most land occupied by squatters, stated Governor Fahim.

He was speaking to residents of Hindi town and Roka village in Hindi Ward, when he led a delegation of senior County officials in the ongoing relief food distribution drive to cushion residents against effects of drought.

Governor Twaha condoled with the families that were affected by the recent spate of attacks assuring them of continued support by the County Government to help heal and rebuild their lives .

“We will walk this journey together to rebuild our lives, our unity and cohesion as a Lamu community. I will follow up to see to it that these affected families are able to heal and get back on their feet, ” said Governor Fahim.

He also thanked the National Government for helping restore peace and order through the ongoing multi-agency operation that led to the neutralization of 15 terror suspects earlier this week.

“Kenya has a functional Government and we shall always defeat enemies that want to disturb peace in our country,” said Governor Twaha.

Over 1,800 Hindi town and Roka village Households received food aid as part of the ongoing initiative by the County Government to cushion them against effects of drought.

In attendance were:

County Executive Committee Members Hon. CECM Health Ann Gathoni, Hon. Josphat Musembi, CS Mr. John Mburu, COS Mr. Mohamed Bute.

-Ends-

Story by: Sadik Mulei

For more information contact communications office at;

info@lamu.go.ke

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Over 32 ECDE teachers from schools in Hindi zone are currently undergoing training on how to interpret the Competency Based Curriculum designs,develop professional documents and assessment tools to asses learners’ progress .

The purpose of the training is to equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement the CBC using inquiry based leaning approach.

Governor Fahim Twaha is committed to ensure ECDE centres in Lamu County provide quality education through infrastructural support, supply of teaching and learning aids as well as quality training for the teachers.

The project is chaired by Abdalla Ahmed, the Lamu County Government’s Chief Officer of Education, and is facilitated by the Lamu County Government through the Department of Education in collaboration with World Vision International.

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