About the Area

Kenya lies on the eastern coast of Africa, right on the equator bordering Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan to the North, Uganda to the West, Tanzania to the South and the Indian Ocean to the East covering an area of about 582,646 Sq Km. Administratively, Kenya is divided into eight Provinces (Nairobi, Coast, Nyanza, Western, North-Eastern, Eastern and Rift Valley). The Provinces are divided into Districts, and further into Divisions, Locations and Sub-Locations.

Lamu is the second smallest of the seven districts in the Coast Province with an area of about 6,814 Km² covering 8.15% of the province. The District is divided into 7 administrative divisions (Kiunga, Faza, Kizingitini, Amu, Hindi, Mpeketoni and Witu), 23 locations and 40 sub-locations with a total population of about 72,686 (Census of 1999). Over 70% of the population is Muslims.

The Lamu area has a rich history dating centuries back as one of the first cities that flourished on the East African Coast. It is dotted with historical monuments that are a great attraction to many. The main economy of the area revolves around: farming, fishing, tourism and livestock rearing. The District has a big potential for tourist development.

Faza – One of the remote villages of Lamu District

However, despite being an important gateway to the high seas and a global historical heritage, a combination of factors have resulted in lack of development and poor economic performance of the area in comparison to the national level. The major issues of concern in Lamu District include:

• Poor transport and communication infrastructure

• Remoteness of the areas
• Unfavourable weather conditions, leading to food isecurity
• Lack of access to safe water
• Insecurity
• High poverty level
• Low literacy level and low standards of education
• HIV/AIDS and inadequate healthcare services