Leaders from Lamu County are urging the National Assembly to prioritize the development of infrastructure in regions around Boni Forest, an area that has faced ongoing security challenges due to the presence of terror groups. Led by Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, the leaders emphasized that better road networks, particularly the tarmacking of the 145-kilometre Hindi-Kiunga Road, are crucial steps toward improving security and spurring economic development in the county.
The Boni Forest region, which has been a hotspot for terror-related activities, continues to experience escalating insecurity. In light of this, the county’s leaders believe that infrastructure development, such as improved road networks, could play a pivotal role in addressing the rising cases of insecurity. According to Governor Timamy, better roads would not only facilitate movement and trade, but they would also significantly aid in security operations, allowing for quicker mobilization of resources and personnel in times of crisis.
The leaders’ call comes as a group of MPs from the National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee, along with members from the Administration and National Security Committee, visited Lamu County to conduct a fact-finding mission on community cohesion and security. The visit is part of an ongoing effort to understand the factors contributing to insecurity in the region and develop strategies to address the issues at hand.
During the visit, Timamy reiterated that the tarmacking of the Hindi-Kiunga road is essential for the development of Lamu, as it would not only improve security by enhancing connectivity between Lamu and neighboring Somalia, but it would also unlock economic potential by opening up access to markets, tourism, and essential services. The road, according to Timamy, would also improve access to health and education services, which are currently hindered by the insecurity in the region.
MPs Ruweida Mohamed (Lamu East), Stanley Muiruri (Lamu West), and Monicah Marubu Muthoni (Lamu County) supported the idea of prioritizing infrastructure development, particularly the road project. They also proposed a controversial but locally supported initiative to replace Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) personnel, who are currently guarding the Boni Forest, with local youth. The leaders argued that local youth, being familiar with the terrain, would have an added advantage in enhancing security efforts in the region.
Ruweida Mohamed, MP for Lamu East, highlighted the significance of the MPs’ visit, noting that it would provide them with first-hand insights into the challenges caused by insecurity in the region. She pointed out that the impact of insecurity is not just felt in terms of safety, but it also has devastating effects on the local economy. The region, which has long relied on tourism, has seen its tourism industry suffer greatly due to the insecurity, further exacerbating poverty in the area.
Monicah Marubu Muthoni, MP for Lamu County, expressed her concern over the deteriorating situation, especially in Basuba Ward, Lamu East, where poverty and insecurity are rampant. “People are starving, and movement is severely restricted due to insecurity,” Muthoni said, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues. The MP also appealed for the government’s intervention to provide sustainable solutions that would ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
In addition to security and infrastructure development, Governor Timamy also raised concerns about the issuance of national identity cards and title deeds to Lamu’s residents, particularly the youth. He noted that many young people in the county do not have national IDs, which has led to harassment from security officers and the denial of employment opportunities. This lack of identification has also hindered the residents’ ability to fully participate in the formal economy, further deepening the region’s poverty.
Rasso Dido, Vice Chairperson of the Administration and National Security Committee, echoed the sentiments of other leaders, noting the profound impact of insecurity on the region’s development. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to address both security and socio-economic challenges in Lamu. The visit, he said, would provide valuable information that would help shape the government’s response to insecurity in the region.
The leaders’ call for prioritizing infrastructure development, particularly the tarmacking of key roads, and the deployment of local youth in security efforts reflects a growing consensus that sustainable peace and development in Lamu depend on addressing both the immediate security concerns and the underlying socio-economic challenges. The ongoing discussions between Lamu leaders and MPs provide hope for a comprehensive approach to restoring peace and fostering economic growth in this once-thriving coastal region.
