Lamu leaders to MPs: Prioritise infrastructure projects

Leaders from Lamu County have called on the National Assembly to prioritise infrastructure development in the terror-prone Boni Forest and its environs.

They have also advocated for the deployment of local youth to guard the forest, emphasising that their familiarity with the region would enhance security measures.

Led by Lamu governor Issa Timamy, the leaders urged MPs to push for the tarmacking of the 145-kilometre Hindi-Kiunga Road.

They cited that tarmacking of the road would be a critical step toward combating increasing cases of insecurity in the region. 

MPs Ruweida Mohamed (Lamu East), Stanley Muiruri (Lamu West), and Monicah Marubu Muthoni (Lamu County) proposed replacing Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) personnel currently guarding the forest with local youth.

The leaders made these remarks during a courtesy visit to the governor by members of the National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee and the Administration and National Security Committee.

The committees, led by Cohesion Committee Chairman Adan Yusuf Haji and Administration Committee Vice Chairperson Rasso Dido, are conducting a joint fact-finding mission on security and community cohesion in the cosmopolitan county. 

The visit follows an appeal by Muthoni and comes in the wake of alarming insecurity cases.

The committee aims to develop a lasting solution to the insecurity menace.

"Recently, I visited Basuba Ward in Lamu East, and the situation there is horrifying. People are starving, and movement is severely restricted due to insecurity," Muthoni told MPs.

Timamy reiterated that tarmacking the Hindi-Kiunga road would not only address insecurity but also spur economic development.

He explained that the road would improve connectivity between Lamu and neighbouring Somalia.

Ruweida emphasised the importance of the MPs' visit, noting that it would provide valuable insights to inform their report on regional insecurity.

"The tour by the committee is timely. MPs will witness firsthand the challenges, including rampant poverty, caused by insecurity," she said.

The governor acknowledged the county's efforts to provide essential services such as healthcare and education in the affected areas but noted that insecurity continued to hinder progress.

Dido underscored the adverse impact of insecurity on the region's development, particularly in its tourism-reliant economy.

"This fact-finding visit is crucial for the two committees tasked with ensuring the security and cohesion of residents," he said.

Timamy also raised concerns about the issuance of title deeds and national IDs to residents. He noted that youth without IDs faced harassment from security officers and were denied employment opportunities.