The Lamu County Government has finished day two of the continuing countywide Public Participation on budget estimates for the financial year 2022/2023 in the Witu and Bahari wards, respectively.

The public participation initiative, which began yesterday in the Mkomani and Shella wards, aims to gather citizens’ thoughts in compliance with Article 201 of Kenya’s constitution, which calls for openness, transparency, accountability, and public engagement in financial concerns.

Officials from the Department of Budget, Strategy, and Economic Planning walked participants through all of the county’s projects from the previous fiscal year, as well as gathering feedback on projects that they would want to see included in this year’s budget (2022/2023).

The exercise continues tomorrow, March 16th, in the Mkunumbi and Hongwe wards before moving on to Hindi, Faza, Kiunga, and Basuba, as per the attached schedule.

Governor Fahim Twaha has worked tirelessly to establish an atmosphere that allows all county citizens to be involved in and participate in the development agenda through direct engagement of the public in decision-making and gives full consideration to public input in making decisions.

CECM Finance and Budgeting Hon. Abdu Godana, Chief Officer Budgeting, Salma Omar, Director Budgeting, Mr. Wawere, County Economists, and other top officials in Planning and Budgeting are spearheading the program.

Please take a look at the accompanying program for the remaining six wards . For those who are unable to attend the physical sittings, you can also provide your comments via the County Website.

https://lamu.go.ke/…/notice-on-public-participation-on…/

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Three Kiunga ward Cooperatives have received cheques worth Ksh 500,000 each in inclusion grants.

As part of his commitment to eradicate poverty and provide an enabling environment for saving culture and investment, H.E. Governor Fahim Twaha, in partnership with the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Program, launched the inclusion grants for the three cooperatives at the County headquarters in Mokowe.

Beneficiary cooperatives in Kiunga ward include;

1. Vipingoni Farmers Cooperative

2. Kiunga Farmers Cooperative

3. Kiunga Fishermen Cooperative

Another Ksh 5 million in inclusion funds will be distributed to eight more cooperatives soon. The funds will be used to train the Cooperative leaders in leadership and management skills, as well as to coach cooperatives in business management, governance, and other skills, as well as to connect cooperatives with other organizations and businesses to strengthen their economic growth and to recruit new members.

Speaking when he handed over the cheques at the County Headquarters in Mokowe, H.E. Governor Fahim Twaha stated that his administration is committed to strengthening Lamu’s cooperative sector to address challenges faced by small agricultural and blue economy producers, due to remoteness and lack of access to information about food prices on national and international markets.

“Strong cooperatives will help our farmers and fishermen overcome historical obstacles by providing many benefits and services to their members, such as group purchasing and marketing, access to high-quality inputs, access to loans to purchase these inputs, as well as build their skills; provide them with knowledge and information, and help them innovate and adapt to changing markets,” Governor Fahim said.

Hon. Fahima Araphat, OGW, CECM Agriculture and Blue Economy, described the initiative as critical in empowering farmers’ and fisher folks to participate in decision-making processes by assisting small producers express their concerns and interests, as well as increasing their negotiating power to influence policy-making processes.

More grants will be distributed to the Lamu people in six KCSAP wards by H.E the Governor, through the steering committee led the CECM Agriculture, Blue Economy and Food Security. Hon. Fahima Araphat, OGW.

182 Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups (VMGs) will receive Ksh 174.5 million in community investment grants, including 36 from Bahari ward, 32 from Mkunumbi, 35 from Hindi, 28 from Witu, 35 from Faza, and 16 from Kiunga wards.

Abdul Fatah, the Chief Officer Fisheries and Agriculture, was in attendance, as was Steven Mbuvi, the KCSAP County Coordinator.

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For more information contact:

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

This Friday, Governor Fahim Twaha led other senior County officials in laying the foundation stone for the expansion of Faza Village’s only footbridge.

The bridge, which was constructed more than two decades ago, is the sole entry route to Faza village. It has continued to pose a significant risk to the over 3,000 Faza residents who use it on a regular basis due to its narrowness and absence of guard rails.

Governor Fahim Twaha spoke at the event expressing his concerns about the number of accidents and even deaths that have occurred on the bridge.

“This pedestrian footbridge is far too narrow, and there was no regard for vehicles or motorcycles when it was built. Times have changed; Vehicles, motorcycles, donkeys, ambulances, and pedestrians all rely on this narrow bridge these days “Governor Fahim said

Governor Twaha went on to outline the risk that Faza Ward residents face every day when negotiating the bridge.

“People have to take turns walking across the bridge, as chances of falling over are high, which wastes a lot of time. Vehicles and motorcycles are unable to overtake each other. Before an ambulance can proceed to rush a patient to the hospital, it must stop and wait for a donkey to walk the 500 meters narrow stretch ” he added.

The foot bridge, which measures about 500 metres in length and just about 2.5 metres in width, is the only entry point into and out of Faza town in Lamu East.That makes it crucial in the island’s transport system and it’s expansion is expected to benefit many other sorrounding villages including Mtangawanda, Bori, Bahamisi, Pate, Siyu, Shanga, Tchundwa, myabogi, Mbwajumali and kizingitini.

In 2015, a motorcyclist died on the spot after he fell into the ocean while attempting to avoid hitting a donkey on the bridge.

In November 2016, seven AP officers and two civilians narrowly escaped death after their land cruiser slid off the bridge and plunged into the ocean.

At least six people have fallen off the bridge and died in the past two years, while scores more nurse serious injuries following falls at the narrow bridge.

Construction works begin immediately.

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Photography by Adam Musa

For more information contact:

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

The Lamu County Government recently completed a county wide livestock vaccination program against PPR in sheep and goats, CCPP in goats, and CBPP in cattle, which was coordinated by the Department of Veterinary Services.

Lamu County Government’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock is increasing mass vaccination throughout the County through the bi-annual Pest and Disease Control Program in order to increase herd immunity, avoid cattle losses that can impact livestock supplies in the local and international market.

According to Dr George Ondieki, the Head of the Veterinary Department, the exercise was successful in covering the following number of animals.

– A total of 27,468 cattle have been inoculated against the highly contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP)

– Blanthax vaccine administered to 32,536 cattle

– A total of 16,832 goats have been immunized against the dangerous Caprine Pleuropneumonia virus (CCPP)

– PPR vaccination was administered to 11,936 sheep and goats.

The vaccination drive is carried out twice per year with Governor Fahim Twaha’s administration shouldering vaccine purchase and administration on behalf of the Lamu Pastoralists and livestock farmers/ free of charge . Next Campaign is expected to begin in August and September 2022.

Among the villages covered includes; Pangani, Lumshi, Mkunumbi, Koreni, Lake Amu, Lakeside, Kiongwe Mjini, Tewe, Chalaluma, Didewaride, Moa, Kitumbini, Witu Mjini, Nagele, among others.

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For more information contact:

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

Lamu County Government under the leadership of H.E. Governor Fahim Twaha, has today handed employment letters to over 30 successful officers who will team up with other officers from various departments in ensuring effective and efficient service delivery.

The officers from;

1. ECDE SUPERVISORS 5

2. ECDE GRADUATE TEACHERS 2

3. INTERNAL AUDITORS (1) 3

4. ACCOUNTANT (I) 3

5. ACCOUNTANT (II) 5

6. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (I) 3

7. DIRECTOR ACCOUNTING SERVICES 1

8. TVET CENTRE MANAGERS 5

9. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TVET 1

10. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR HRM 2

11. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR HR- PAYROLL 1,

were hired after a rigorous process by the County Public Service Board.

While congratulating the new employees, Lamu County Secretary Mr. John Mburu urged the new employees to act impartially and strive towards ensuring they discharge their duties professionally. “As public officers the board expects you to use your best efforts to avoid being in a situation where personal interests conflict or appear to conflict with their official duties” Said Mr. Mburu

Education CECM Hon. Paul Thairu and his Lands counterpart Hon. Mohamed Hemedi congratulated the newly recruited and encouraged them to work hard and professionally.

Lamu County Public Service Board Chair, Mr. Abdalla Fadhil told the new officers they were recruited after a rigorous process by the board and they expected them to deliver at their respective departments.

In line with Lamu County Code of Conduct and Ethics, Lamu County Government under the stewardship of Governor Fahim Twaha, will strive to promote inclusiveness and representation of Kenya’s diverse communities and ensure that the county public service reflects diversity of the Kenya communities, through recruitment, deployment, training and promotion.

Also in attendance was Education Chief Officer Mr. Abdalla Ahmed Ali, County Public Service board members among others.

Plans to open the newly built Kashmir dispensary are well underway, with the procurement of furnishings and pharmaceuticals already in the works.

The Lamu County Government’s Department of Health Services completed the construction of the new dispensary at a cost of 4.9 million shillings as part of a broader effort to increase access to primary healthcare for all.

The dispensary will soon open its doors to Kashmir people, facilitating access to health services in the area and reducing congestion and workload at KingFahd Hospital.

Governor Fahim Twaha’s administration began hiring doctors earlier this year, and more nurses are being recruited to ensure that there is adequate medical professionals on the ground to service all Lamu citizens.

Kashmir dispensary will be operationalized alongside the new Wiyoni dispensary both in Mkomani Ward, Lamu West.

The Wiyoni and Kashmir dispensaries will offer basic services like; General Patient Consultations, Antenatal care, Child welfare clinic, screening of non communicable diseases like cervical cancer, hypertension, diabetes , deliveries by skilled birth attendants among others .

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For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at info@fatmabwanaheri

LAPSETT C.E.O Mr. Stephen Ikua paid a courtesy call to the office of the Governor and was recieved by County Secretary Mr. John Mburu and Chief of Staff Mr. Mohammed Bute.

Mr. Ikua who is in Lamu on a familiarisation tour of the Lamu Port and the LAPSETT corridor, underscored the importance of a close working relationship with the County Government of Lamu and other stakeholders in making the multi billion project a success.

The LAPSSET corridor development authority C.E.O who is on a familiarization and inspection visit at Lamu Port, was accompanied by LAPSETT Director Mohamed Hashim, Regional Manager LAPSSET Mr. Salim Bunu, M.r Abdishukri Osman among others.

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For more information contact;

Lamu County Government Communications office at; info@lamu.go.ke

An induction session for the six newly appointed Vocational Training Center Managers was held by the Department of Education and Vocational Training at Royal Park in Bahari Ward .

The newly appointed managers include Stephen mwangi, Mercy Ndaru, Farah Bwanakheri, Haruin Ali, Fa-thi Mosoud and Myriam Motuku . The six await deployment to six Vocational Training Centers namely; Lamu VTC, Mokowe VTC, Kizingitini VTC, Mpeketoni VTC, Witu VTC and Tewe VTC .

The induction exercise, led by CECM Education, Hon. Paul Thairu HSC, and Chief Officer Education, Mr. Abdalla Ahmed, aims to provide VTC managers with skills in strategic financial and human resource management, as well as supporting, evaluating, and developing teacher quality, goal-setting, assessment, and accountability, as well as collaborating with other schools and the labor market.

CECM Education Hon Paul Thairu HSC welcomed the new managers on their appointment during the seminar. He emphasized the necessity of competent VTC center administration, saying that there are strong links between institutional leadership, teacher motivation, student well-being, and teaching and learning quality.

“As a VTC manager, you are required to not only plan and govern your institutions strategically, but also to lead pedagogical innovation, build collaboration networks with multiple organisations, and keep abreast of new technological developments in industry . You are expected to build strong, effective and flexible VTC programmes that can adapt to today’s emerging challenges” Said Hon Thairu

Mr. Abdalla Ahmed, the Chief Officer of Education, stressed the importance of officials’ integrity and commitment in carrying out their jobs efficiently.

“You must take your responsibilities seriously and uphold professionalism and fairness in the professional development of teachers and trainers, as well as the management of teaching and learning facilities and equipment, and, last but not least, efficient financial resource management.” Mr. Abdalla Ahmed stated

Some of the areas covered during the seminar included:

-Public Sector Financial Management Concept

-Public Procurement and Asset Disposal

-Risk Management policy, Mapping, and Procedures

-Human resource and cross-cutting concerns

-Budget presentation and financial reporting including financial reporting framework among others

The facilitators were drawn from the departments of Budget, Finance, Procurement, Public Service Management, and Public Administration.

Mr. John Mburu,the County Secretary, graced the opening of the seminar noting that the appointments are part of His Excellency Governor Fahim Twaha’s bigger program to increase the number of local graduates with technical expertise . This mirrors the national government’s ambition to reduce skills gap in line with Vision 2030 development goals.

Over 4,000 Lamu youths are currently enrolled in various courses at local TVETS, which are fully financed by Governor Fahim’s administration.

The County Government has implemented far-reaching reforms in the TVET sector in the past four years including the opening of 14 satellite TVETs, elimination of fees, and expansion of the curriculum to ensure that the centers remain free for young people to learn and gain the technical skills they need in today’s employment market.

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For more information contact:

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

Governor Fahim Yasin Twaha on Friday 18th February 2022 signed an MoU with Water Sector Fund and Danish Development Agency (Danida) during the launch and inception of the Sustainable Management and Access to Water and Sanitation in the Asals (SWASAP) Programe.

The SWASAP programme, which will run for a period of five years (July 2021 – June 2026) aims to increase community resilience and adaptation to Climate change through sustainable, peaceful use of natural resources including improved access to water and sanitation services in the target ASAL counties. The programme will target 6 ASAL Counties namely: Lamu, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Tana River and Turkana.

The SWASAP programme has received financial support from The Government of Kenya and The Royal Danish Embassy at a total cost of KSh. 1.2 Billion .This will ensure households within the rural areas of the targeted counties will have improved access to water and sanitation.

The event was flanked by Dr. AndrewK. Tuimur C.B.S, Chief Administrative Secretary, Ministry Of Water & Sanitation and Irrigation, Mr. Fred Josiah, WaterFund Board of Trustee and Mr. Willis Ombai, Ag. Chief Executive Officer WaterFund , CECs in charge of Water and Sanitation from the 6 Counties among other dignitaries.

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Lamu County Governor Fahim Twaha has lauded the National Government’s drought relief initiatives launched today for vulnerable families in 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Counties.

He was speaking on the sidelines of State House, Nairobi with 22 other governors from Arid and Semi-arid counties, following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s emergency relief supplies flagging off ceremony to vulnerable families across the country.

The relief intervention is set to benefit 2.3 million Kenyans in the affected counties, and reaffirms President Kenyatta’s commitment to provide short and long-term solutions to drought by investing in community-based resilience and drought preparedness programmes.

The relief food supplies from the national government will complement Lamu County Government’s ongoing efforts to protect Lamu residents from the effects of the current drought. Following the declaration of drought as a national disaster in September 2021, Lamu County Government launched a food distribution operation which has so far covered seven out of ten wards.

Food distribution is currently ongoing in Faza ward. Seven wards have been covered thus far, but due to the prevailing dry conditions, a large majority of Lamu residents are still in desperate need of continued food assistance.

Other efforts implemented so far include water tracking to villages facing acute water shortage as well as for livestock and wildlife and distribution of relief animal feeds, among others.

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Pictures Courtesy of State House

For more information contact:

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

State House Kenya

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