24-Year-Old PhD Holder Makes History as Kenya’s Youngest County Executive in Lamu

History was made in Lamu County on Monday after a 24 year old lady was sworn into office as the new County Executive Committee Member for Fisheries Blue Economy Livestock and Cooperative Development.

With a Ph.D. in Maritime Governance and Environmental Management from the University of Malaysia Terengganu Sabrina Mkare Jefwa was sworn in a colorful ceremony witnessed by Lamu residents, leaders and her friends at the County headquarters in Mokowe town, making her the youngest CECM in the country.

Also sworn into office was Aisha Shariff Omar who will hold the Climate Change, ICT, E government and Citizen Participation in Governor Issa Timamy’s administration.

In her acceptance speech, Sabrina said that she had already secured commitment from investors to set up a maritime school in Lamu and promote blue economy jobs.

“I am going to work for the Governor and the people of Lamu and I will work closely with the Governor and his team to ensure that the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) is implemented and I will start with the Lamu Maritime Training Center,” she said.

She added that, “I will incorporate shipping companies, recruitment agencies to get sea time for our cadets and create the best national and international curriculum for the Lamu people. I have already started the process and you will see changes very soon.”

She also urged leaders and residents to support her during her working period so that the county can achieve the most meaningful development.

“I want to urge all leaders and residents of Lamu to support my docket so that we can all enjoy the fruits of devolution together, rectify me whenever I make wrong moves and support me when I make the right moves for our people,” she said.

Governor Timamy, on his part, congratulated the newly sworn in CECMs urging them to hit the ground running so that they can help implement his agenda to the people of Lamu.

“Hon Sabrina Mkare Jefwa, your docket speaks for itself and it speaks directly to the lifeblood of Lamu’s economy. Our fishermen, pastoralists, cooperative societies and blue economy actors depend on visionary leadership to unlock value, protect livelihoods and ensure sustainability,” he said.

He added that the blue economy remained Lamu’s untapped asset which if well exploited, it will create hundreds of thousands of jobs for the community.

“From fisheries and aquaculture to marine tourism and maritime trade remain untapped and as you assume office, I urge you to focus on strengthening value chains, supporting cooperatives, enhancing food security and ensuring that our natural marine resources are exploited responsibly for both current and future generations,” he said.

Among leaders who attended the swearing ceremony was Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech, The Secretary of Administration and Programs in the Office of the Deputy President Arnold Mkare, Lamu Women Representative Muthoni Marabu and Lamu East MP Ruweida Obbo.

“I want to encourage you to work hard and make the Governor proud for believing in women leadership and this proves that we are making steps towards realization of our dreams as women in Lamu county,” said Ruweida.24-Year-Old PhD Holder Makes History as Kenya’s Youngest County Executive in Lamu