Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has emphasized the importance of peace-building in attracting investment to the county. He stated that Lamu has demonstrated that peace-building can directly lead to development, as investors are now flocking to the county to harness its untapped opportunities. Timamy made these remarks in New York, US, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
According to Governor Timamy, peace is translating into an investment dividend for Lamu, with a growing interest in the county as a place where investors can plan for the long term. He highlighted opportunities in industrial development, oil refining by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, palm-oil processing, and other private-sector investments as a direct result of peace-building efforts in the county.
Timamy challenged the traditional understanding of international cooperation, emphasizing that partnerships should not only be about what local governments receive from the international community but also about sharing local knowledge, experience, and solutions with the world. He noted that local governments should not only be recipients of global knowledge but also producers of global knowledge.
The governor was sharing Lamu's perspective on "Local Multilateralism for Peace and Safety" at the Open Society Foundations side event during the UNGA 81, where President William Ruto was also present. Timamy described everyday safety as being shaped locally, with peace, security, access to services, trust in institutions, and social cohesion ultimately experienced by people within their communities.
Lamu county disaster risk management and peace-building director Shee Kupi noted that peace-building is a process, not an event, and takes time. He emphasized that taking Lamu's experience to the global stage is crucial for Kenya's image, demonstrating that even local solutions can have significant global impacts.
The engagement builds on Lamu's growing international recognition, including its UCLG Peace Prize 2026, and provides an opportunity for the county to share its experience while learning from other local governments, communities, and international partners. Kupi stated that this means more than capital coming into the county, but also the potential for jobs for young people, opportunities for local businesses, and improved infrastructure.
Governor Timamy called for greater recognition of the role of local governments in global peace and development conversations, emphasizing the importance of moving from local experience to knowledge exchange, partnerships, scaling solutions, and global contribution. He described the UCLG Peace Prize as not simply recognition of what Lamu has achieved but as an economic asset and a responsibility.
Key points
- Governor Timamy links peace-building efforts in Lamu to increased investment in the county.
- Lamu's peace-building experience is being shared globally to demonstrate Kenya's capabilities.
- Local governments should be producers of global knowledge, not just recipients.
