Lamu County is set to invest the Sh2.9 million (€20,000) it received as the UCLG Peace Prize into practical projects aimed at improving water services, disaster preparedness, and peacebuilding efforts.

The award, presented in Tangier, Morocco, recognises Lamu’s commitment to fostering peace. The county is collaborating with VNG International, an organisation supporting local governments, to develop a work plan that ensures the prize money translates into tangible community benefits.

Key Focus Areas

  • Water Security: Discussions with the Lamu Water and Sewerage Company (LAWASCO) and the county Water Department highlighted the need for enhanced water governance, sustainability, and community involvement.
  • Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience: The partnership will explore the use of technology, data, and early-warning systems to better prepare communities for emergencies.
  • Peacebuilding: Efforts will include documenting and strengthening the Lamu Peace Model, with aims to share its lessons with other regions facing similar challenges.
  • Cross-Border Cooperation: Given Lamu’s proximity to the Kenya-Somalia border, initiatives will focus on social cohesion, livelihoods, and development across communities on both sides.
  • Technology and Information Access: Improving public communication and combating misinformation were also identified as priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement

During a three-day visit, VNG International representatives met with Governor Issa Timamy, Deputy Governor, County Secretary, and other key officials. They also toured Lamu Port and the Lamu Museum to understand the county's economic and cultural context.

Governor Timamy expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to Lamu’s developmental challenges. "We see this engagement as an opportunity to build a meaningful and lasting partnership that goes beyond individual projects," he said.

VNG International’s coordinator, Shee Kupi Shee, highlighted the aim to move beyond mere recognition to impactful implementation, targeting peacebuilding, water governance, ICT, climate resilience, and cross-border collaboration.

Further discussions will define the precise programmes and next steps to ensure the peace prize funds deliver measurable improvements for Lamu’s communities.