The UNEP-Nairobi Convention Secretariat and the University of Nairobi (UoN) have conducted an ‘Assessment of the Contribution of Maritime Sectors to Kenya’s Blue Economy: Values, Potentials and Governance Frameworks’, aiming to contribute to the development of Kenya’s Blue Economy Strategy that aligns with Kenya Vision 2030, National Fisheries and Oceans Policy, and other international commitments such as the SDGs and the AU Agenda 2063.

The Chief guest and Lamu Governor H.E Issa Timamy E.G.H, O.G.W, emphasized that Blue Economy remains to be a significant contributor to coastal urban development and further urged stakeholders to prioritize measures that improve

community capacities and skills to act as agents of their own development.

“Job creation and skilled technical labour in Blue Economy sectors is a pressing need and to achieve this, stakeholders need to address the practical limitations, define stakeholders, and rethink the blue economy approach” stated the Council of Governors Blue Economy Committee Chair.

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) Director, Prof. James Njiru stressed that job creation in Blue Economy sectors is a pressing need that should be addressed by all players. He further acknowledged the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs for it’s involvement in enhancing Blue economy activities that demonstrates the Country’s zeal to further its Blue Economy.

The key policy considerations from the reports of the workshop presented, include implementing comprehensive ocean governance, using existing research and data, and enhancing market accessibility

The workshop was attended by representatives from the Blue Economy (BE) Sectors, coastal and marine experts, academic institutions, and government representatives with the goal of presenting key findings and recommendations of the assessment to key stakeholders.

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For more information contact:

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

The Department of Medical Services has successfully organized a football tournament that purposed to use sports to influence football fanatics to join the countywide blood donation drive.

The drive themed “For Blood Donation Against Drug abuse” brought fans to spectate football finals tournament on Saturday last week, with Medical Services officers encouraging them to donate blood and help save lives in the local community.

Speaking at Twaifu grounds, CEC Member for Health Hon. Dr. Mbarak Mohamed reported that his Department intends to go beyond the minimum clinical need for blood to the optimum need. He further noted achieving this goal would require each resident to consider blood donation as an act of patriotism and consider becoming a regular donor.

“Lamu hospitals use over 100 pints every month to save lives, and replenishment is needed through regular blood drives. As a Department, we will continue to hold regular social events to sensitize the public that it’s safe and healthy to donate blood and it also stimulates the bone marrow to produce fresh blood and immune cells” Said Hon. Dr. Mbarak. He also thanked H.E Governor Issa Timamy E.G.H, O.G.W for his commitment towards supporting the Health Department.

Afya Cup finals witnessed Deep-sea Vs Kcb face off at Twaifu ground where winners and runners up each got a fully branded football jerseys and a soccer balls.

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For more information contact:

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

9 smallholder farmer groups from Hindi and Bahari Wards have today received 623 goats and one boat from the County Government of Lamu in partnership with the World Bank-funded Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Program (KCSAP)

Speaking while representing the Governor, CECM Finance, Budget and Economic Planning Mohamed Mbwana said the government under stewardship of the Governor Issa Timamy is committed to ensure farmers in the county are supported.

Hon. Mbwana also asked the farmers to join cooperatives societies in order to be eligible for grants.

CECM for Agriculture Hon. James Gichu called upon farmers to optimize on County extension officers citing that they are resourceful towards assisting farmers in getting basic services.

The 9 beneficiary groups that benefited include:-

Bahari Ward

1. Kiongwe Mjini BMU Self Help Group.(boat)

Hindi Ward

1.Kiongoni kokoto Self Help Group.

2. Mswakini marginalized organization.

3. Trinity CBO.

4. Shekiunga Disabled Self Help Group.

5. Waboni na Wasanye Community Organization

6. Tumaini Kibaoni Self Help Group.

7. Hindi Community Health Volunteers Organization.

8. Border to Border Self Help Group.

In attendance was Project Coordinator Steven Mbuvi, Acting Director for Agriculture James Njoroge, C.D.D.C members among other officers from the Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperative Department.

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

County Government of Lamu Deputy Governor H.E Raphael Munyua has divulged that Hindi town will now be incooperated in Lamu Municipality development projects.

Speaking on Thursday when he hosted Hindi MCA Hon. James Njaaga who had paid him a courtesy call alongside Hindi town stakeholders, the Deputy Governor assured Lamu residents that during the next financial year the county government will conduct public participation in all wards embodied under Lamu Municipalities to ensure development projects are in sync with peoples expectations.

“As a county Government we will be working closely with the Municipality towards incorporating Hindi township in the municipality for the progress of Lamu County” stated the Deputy Governor.

Hindi MCA Hon. Njaaga thanked the Deputy Governor and the Governor for having considered the inclusion of Hindi town in the Municipality projects noting that the town had been excluded yet it’s part of the Municipality. Hon. Njaaga also lauded the County Government’s commitment towards oparationalization of Kibokoni dumping site as well as plans to rehabilitate the 9 kilometers Nure-Kibokoni road.

Towards development in the ward, The Deputy Governor noted that under the leadership of H.E Governor Timamy the county had already procured a garbage tractor and have already procured certified maize seeds that will be distributed to farmers during planting season.

In attendance was Trade CEC Member Hon. Aisha Miraj, Trade Chief Officer Md. Joyce Murimi, Municipal Manager Mr. Abduswamad Abdalla Ali, Hindi business owners and farmers.

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For more information contact:

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

County Government of Lamu Deputy Governor H.E. Raphael Munyua has challenged primary school students to focus on their studies so that they can be enlisted under County Scholarship Programme.

Speaking to Sinambio Primary School pupils from from Hongwe Ward who had visited the County Headquater offices in Mokowe for excursion, the Deputy Governor underscored to the students that education was the only equalizer in the world which gives everyone equal opportunity to improve their livelihoods urging the students to work extra hard to achieve it.

“Being devoted to your school work, self-discipline and working diligently guarantees you success at the end of your schooling period” The Deputy Governor added.

Education CEC Member Hon. Owanga warned the students against engaging in vices that detracts one from studying hard urging the pupils to make correct choices when selecting friends adding that bad character corrupts good morals.

During the tour the students were taken round the Headquarters by Human Resource Director Mr. Paul Waluba and learned on devolution, relationship between national and County government, similarities between the two levels of government, composition of County executive among others.

Sinambio Board Chair Mr. Samwel Kimaru thanked the County Government under the stewardship of H.E. Governor Issa Timamy E.G.H, O.G.W for employing ECDE teachers and constructing two classrooms adding that they have greatly contributed towards improving the school infrastructure.

In attendance was CEC Member for Lands Tashrifa Bakari, CEC Member for Trade Hon. Amina Miraj, Trade Chief Officer Md. Joyce Murimi, Sinambio Head Teacher Mr. James Mugacia, Assistant Chief Ms. Mary Maitho, teachers 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 E.G.H, O.G.W has today joined Principal Secretary, State Department for Crop Development, Ministry for Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kilifi County to grace the official launch of AgriFI CS APP Cashew Variety. The new cashew variety is a high yield, pest free and takes 18 to 24 months to mature making it ideal for coastal counties.

The Kenya Support to Climate Smart Agricultural Productivity Project (AgriFI Kenya CS APP) is being done at Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) in Mtwapa and will also give an opportunity to cashew stakeholders to visit KARLO cashew nursery which is the most important cash crop in coastal Kenya.

Towards reviving cashew nut farming in Lamu, the County Government has prioritized to promote the cashew farming by incooperating innovations and management practices on cashew nut value chain.

The County Government under the stewardship of Governor Timamy is also in the process of setting up a cashew nut processing plant in Hindi ward which will guarantee increased incomes, improved food and nutritional security especially of women, children, youth and vulnerable groups.

The Governor is accompanied by Agriculture C.E.C Member Hon. James Gichu, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas and Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir M. Issa.

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For more information contact:

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

The County Government of Lamu under the stewardship of H.E Governor Issa Timamy E.G.H, O.G.W remains committed to ensure all Lamu residents have access to preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services at minimum financial burden.

Towards this end, County Government of Lamu Community Health Volunteers have continued to offer services selflessly to communities by doing Action days and Homebased screening of patients with hypertension and diabetes in Lamu East under TimamyCare action plan.

This comes after CHV’s were capacitated and trained on hypertension and diabetes screening, and thereafter given CHV kits. The CHV’s have been screening the vulnerable and the elderly who cannot make their way to County health facilities.

CEC Member for Health Dr. Mohamed Mbarak has commended Governor Timamy for his commitment on ensuring the vulnerable and the elderly Lamu residents who cannot access health facilities get outreach medical services under TimamyCare.

TimamyCare aims at narrowing the gap in morbidity and mortality associated with non-communicable diseases through active case finding and creating special clinic linkage and follow up.

*TɪᴍᴀᴍʏCᴀʀᴇ*

ᴀғʏᴀ ᴍᴀᴊᴜᴍʙᴀɴɪ ᴀғʏᴀ ᴍᴀsʜɪɴᴀɴɪ

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For more information contact:

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

Lamu Governor H.E Issa Timamy E.G.H, O.G.W has this afternoon handed over cooler boxes, freezers, slicing machines among other supported innovations to value chain organization groups in Lamu Island.

The grant was given by County Government of Lamu in partnership with Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme || (ASDSP) and will benefit two groups namely Lamu Fish Processors of Community Interest Group and Lamu Mama Karanga Self-help Group who will be operating from Lamu Fisheries along the seafront in Mkomani Ward, Lamu Island.

Governor Timamy committed to continue supporting community of interest groups to accelerate production by economically empowering them to improve their returns and output that meets the demands of the domestic market.

The ongoing multifaceted value chain innovation support for improved income food and nutrition security aims to increase productivity while creating resilience and assiting them to expand the fisheries enterprise.

The Council of Governors’ Blue Economy Committee Chair further stated that his administration had significantly increased the budget allocation for the fisheries department adding that it will help towards tapping into the blue economy enormous opportunities.

Among the supported innovations that were given included; 4 Cooler boxes, electronic weighing scales, 6 chest freezers, 6 double chest freezers,

gum boots, aprons, vacuum packaging machine, stainless knives, first aid boxes, stainless steel sheet tables, solar lit boxes among others.

The Governor was accompanied by Agriculture CEC Member Hon. James Gichu, Fisheries CEC Member Hon. Faiz Fankupi, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief Officer Kamalu Shariff, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir M. Issa, Mkomani MCA Shekhuna Abbas, Faza MCA Mohamed Abubakar Simba, Nominated MCA Ahmed Medo, ASDSP || Coordinator Mr. Richard Njuguna, Value Chain Development Officer Md. Beth Mwaringa among others.

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For more information contact:

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

Over 55 Small holder poultry farmers in Faza have today benefited with 1600 indigenous chicken from County Government of Lamu in partnership with Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme || (ASDSP)

The two beneficiary groups Mabrouk Self-help group (Shanga) and Wanati wa Chundwa received indigenous chicken, two incubators and 95 bags of chicken mash as part of boosting poultry farming to unlock the full potential for the sub sector in Lamu.

Speaking during the event at Chundwa, Faza Ward, Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Timamy E.G.H, O.G.W said the project is aimed at promoting food security and rural poverty eradication by providing disposable income opportunities to smallholder agro-pastoral households.

“This programme is designed to empower the youths and women economically and enhance food security in the county.” stated Governor Timamy.

He further urged residents to join groups so that they can benefit from subsequent grants.

On Agriculture, the ANC party leader stated that his Administration had made arrangements to ensure farmers get planting seeds in good time as well as ensure there’s a ploughing tractor in Faza.

Towards mitigation on the existing water crisis in Faza, the Governor said his administration is procuring 3 water boozers where one boozer will be stationed in Faza.

The Governor was accompanied by Agriculture CEC Member Hon. James Gichu, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir M. Issa, ASDSP || Coordinator Mr. Richard Njuguna, Value Chain Development Officer Md. Beth Mwaringa among others.

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For more information contact:

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

Two fisher groups from Lamu East have today received a major boost after the County Government of Lamu in partnership with Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP) gave them two fiber fishing boats, outboard engines and fishing gears that will enable them navigate the deep waters.

Speaking during that hand over exercise at Kizingitini, Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Timamy E.G.H, O.G.W his Administration was committed to support fisher groups in an attempt to achieve employment, improving fishers’ welfare, ensuring the sustainability of the sector and encouraging food production.

The two fisher groups namely Kiwayu Tuna Fishers Organization and Kizingitini Fishers Organization

thanked Governor Timamy and the Council of Governors’ Blue Economy Committee Chair for his unrelenting support towards the smallholder fisher groups in Lamu.

Among the fishing gears that were given include

fishing lines, artificial baits, fishing rods, fiber ice boxes, anchor ropes, water proof bags, first aid boxes, gps among others.

In Lamu, ASDSP || supports three value chains that include fisheries (Tuna fish), poultry (Indigenous Chicken) and cashew nut farming.

The Governor is later expected to visit Chundwa where he will give value chain organizations indigenous chicken and incubators.

In attendance was CEC Member Hon. James Gichu, County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, Chief of Staff Mr. Abdulnasir M. Issa, Area MCA Hon. Mohammed Abubakar Simba, ASDSP || Coordinator Mr. Richard Njuguna, Value Chain Development Officer Md. Beth Mwaringa among others.

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For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office Email: communication@lamu.go.ke