Mudavadi urges Lamu leaders to prioritise peace for development

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called upon leaders in Lamu to prioritise peace and security in the region, emphasising their crucial role in fostering development.

Mudavadi who is on a three-day tour in Lamu County highlighted that without stability, organisation, and unity, no county can successfully attract investment or create job opportunities.

“Many nations, including our neighbours, have had to rebuild and experience some semblance of positive progress for many years as a result of instability. Counties must embrace peace and stability in addition to the security and stability of the nation.”

Additionally serving as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Mudavadi urged Lamu leaders to take a cue from President William Ruto and make sure Kenya stays a desirable place to live and invest in by leading the effort to promote peace in the region.

According to him, Lamu is the guardian of important resources that can only be used for local and national benefit in a stable and tranquil atmosphere.

"Lamu is a symbol of peace and an icon for the Horn of Africa. When it comes to matters of peace, this county is a cornerstone and a crucial component of the regional strategic asset, the speaker declared.

Mudavadi said the national government will keep funding security measures in Lamu and other coastal counties because security failings have caused generations of people in the country and abroad to suffer.

He believes that these tragedies shouldn't be repeated for future generations.

He stated that important development milestones for Lamu and other coastal counties are gradually coming to pass and gave the people of Lamu assurances about the support of the government in the future.

“Because we have never used them, our resources, like the Blue Economy, are uncharted territory in our system. To fully realise the potential that comes with using such substantial resources, we must cooperate," he stated.

The government is seeking to extend flight hours at the Manda Airport in what Mudavadi says to be one of the ways to help attract investment, a development he mentioned depends on how secure Lamu is.

On his tour, Mudavadi was accompanied by elected leaders including the Lamu Governor Issa Timamy.

“I want to assure you that, during the Prime Minister's recent visit to Kenya, he had discussions with President Ruto. Lamu had a crucial role in those discussions because of the LAPSSET project which is so important to the two leaders," he said.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi meets leaders in his three-day tour in Lamu County. Photo: Lamu County

Mudavadi added among the issues that surfaced during the discussions were the operationalisation of the Lamu port and the completion of the road leading from Lamu to Moyale.

“This indicates that Lamu is an essential gateway for commerce with Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa." Mudavadi continued.

Apart from engaging with elected officials during his initial day of the tour, Mudavadi also surveyed the ongoing development of Taxi Way and Apron at Manda Airport, encompassing an area of approximately 17,000 square kilometres.

This construction endeavours to bolster the airport's capacity and attract more advanced aircraft in the future. It is anticipated that the construction will conclude by the end of this month.

Furthermore, Mudavadi assessed the progress of the Kenya Ports Authority stand waiting area at Mokowe Jetty.

Mudavadi said, "These significant projects are poised to positively impact the fortunes and livelihoods of the residents of Lamu County."

The Prime Cabinet Secretary is scheduled to confer with local elders and religious figures from the county today, followed by leading a fundraising event in support of Stone Town School in Lamu.