Lamu, KENYA: Lamu governor Fahim Twaha has expressed confidence that ongoing mega projects in the county carry huge potential to turn around the county’s economic scales.
He cited the ongoing construction of the Lamu-Garsen road and that of Mokowe town as among projects that will open up Lamu to the world of trade, business, tourism and industrialization.
Speaking in his office on Thursday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Kenya Urban Roads Authority-KURA, Twaha said Lamu’s economy has been at its worst for the last few years but expressed optimism that such projects would change the situation.
He termed the new Lamu port LAPSSET, the oil and gas drilling in Pate island and other mega upcoming industrial projects as game changers not just for Lamu’s economy and well being but also for Kenya and the East African region.
Lamu is among counties that receive the least annual budgetary allocation each year.
Twaha says the situation is partly due to the fact that Lamu lacks adequate town centres and industries.
Lamu county has only two major towns; Mpeketoni and Lamu town.
Much of Lamu’s revenue collections only depend on the two towns, which isn’t enough.
However, Twaha has expressed confidence that the upcoming industrial projects and road constructions will result in more town centers hence more revenue for Lamu in the near future.
He said the roads especially would greatly boost tourism and trade upon completion, a move he says will also increase revenue collection.
“The objective is to attract as many investors as possible so that Lamu can join the rest of the counties up there.Its a revolution towards change for the better.Lamu’s economy will not be the same once these roads and projects are up and running.Tourism too and trade will do even better then and that why we are making all effort,” said Twaha.
Twaha also said the completion of the Lamu-Garsen road will reduce insecurity and cases of Al shabaab attacks that have been witnessed on security and passenger vehicles.
