Lamu County, Jubaland vow to strengthen cross-border ties in trade, health and security
The Jubaland ministers praised Lamu’s digitised emergency response systems and women’s leadership in public service.
Lamu County hosted a high-level delegation from Jubaland State of Somalia, with officials from both sides committing to closer collaboration on trade, health, culture and security in a move aimed at strengthening ties along the Kenya–Somalia border.
The delegation, led by Jubaland’s Minister for Commerce and Industry Ibrahim Yussuf and Minister for Information, Culture and Tourism Abdifatah Mohamed, held extensive talks with Governor Issa Timamy and toured key facilities during the official visit.
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At the governor’s office, discussions focused on trade integration, cultural exchange, investment opportunities, and joint efforts to address border security challenges.
Governor Timamy highlighted reforms in land management, health, tourism and emergency response, saying service delivery was the county’s priority.
“Every reform we champion, whether in land, health, tourism or disaster management, aims to serve the community, especially the less fortunate, because they are the most affected during crises,” he said.
The ministers praised Lamu’s digitised emergency response systems and women’s leadership in public service.
They also expressed interest in knowledge transfer programmes, including training Jubaland staff in health and disaster management at Lamu’s Emergency Operations Centre.
Touring King Fahad County Referral Hospital, the delegation viewed new facilities including an intensive care unit, CT scan services, surgical theatres and a modern inpatient wing.
County officials said the hospital has become a regional hub serving not only Lamu but also patients from Ras Kiamboni and other cross-border areas.
On maritime trade, the delegation visited Lamu Port (LAPSSET), where Kenya Ports Authority demonstrated how the facility could enable direct shipping between Lamu and Kismayu. Commerce Minister Ibrahim described the potential as transformative.
“What we have seen at Lamu Port is a game-changer. The ability to directly connect our people and markets through this facility will strengthen commerce and bring Jubaland and Lamu closer than ever before,” he said.
Tourism Minister Abdifatah Mohamed echoed the sentiment, stressing that the partnership extended beyond trade. “The strategic initiatives here are not only impressive but also replicable. We will work closely with Lamu to foster cultural exchange, enhance emergency response, and strengthen our cooperation in peace and investment forums,” he said.
The team also visited the Department of Blue Economy, where officials outlined reforms such as GPS tracking of fishing grounds and the provision of larger vessels to local fishermen. Both ministers said the initiatives could serve as models for Jubaland.
Further meetings with immigration and security officials highlighted the need for efficient border management to support peace and development.
At the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Lamu Chapter, discussions centred on empowering small businesses and reviving centuries-old commercial links.
The visit ended with both sides pledging deeper collaboration in trade, security and cultural exchange, with Governor Timamy, who invited the delegation to attend the annual Lamu Cultural Festival in November.
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