Lamu on course in spite of hurdles

Security officers patrol the Lamu Island seafront after a two-day strike by locals protesting against the extension of a curfew in October last year. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

After successful lobbying and protests that shut down Lamu town, the national government lifted the dawn-to-dusk curfew that had crippled Lamu County's fishing and tourism sectors, which had been dealt another major blow with the eruption of bloody massacres in Mpeketoni area on the mainland.

Governor Issa Timamy was briefly held for this massacre but was acquitted by a court of law for lack of evidence.

Mr Timamy, who has weathered many storms, including from the county assembly where he has no majority, began his tenure in turbulence. His first cabinet was rejected by a hostile assembly, then his victory in the 2013 gubernatorial race was overturned by the electoral court. The Court of Appeal restored his victory but a challenge is still pending at the Supreme Court.

As he settled down after the violence and court battles, ready to embark on his pet projects like providing fresh water, health and reclaiming stolen public land, opponents have gone to court again to try and outlaw the county assembly and all its past resolutions.

In spite of this, Timamy's administration has achieved some success, including hosting a successful annual cultural and food festival that brought in thousands of tourists and investors.

Last month, the National Land Commission revoked 117 titles, allegedly issued illegally to private developers in the Shela Sand dunes, the only source of fresh water on Lamu island.

FISHING NETS

Meanwhile, a feasibility study for the supply of fresh water to Faza, Kizingitini and other islands in the Indian Ocean is almost complete. Reports show the Iranian government will fund the construction of huge pipes that will carry water from wells on the mainland through huge under-sea pipes to the islands.

Some progress has been registered in provision of water, healthcare, agriculture, fishing and education.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) executive Grace Mburu says the county has rolled out the Early Childhood Education (ECDE) programme.

The county has built ECDE classrooms at a cost of Sh20 million and employed 50 teachers. Polytechnics have also been equipped at a cost of Sh15 million since early 2013.

Historic Lamu town's seafront roads have been reconstructed with cabro and street lights installed to give it a facelift as Timamy's government embarks on marketing the county as a major tourist destination at the Coast.

The county government has also bought fishing gear for local fishermen at Sh16 million. The fisherfolk were given 23 out board engines worth Sh8 million, 50 fishing nets at a cost of Sh2.5 million and 20 pieces of hooks and lines worth Sh1 million.