MOKOWE, Kenya — Lamu County on Monday made history after Sabrina Mkare Jefwa, a 24-year-old PhD graduate, was sworn in as the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Fisheries, Blue Economy, Livestock and Cooperatives, becoming the youngest county executive in Kenya.
Jefwa took the oath of office at the Lamu County headquarters in Mokowe, in a ceremony attended by residents, elected leaders, senior government officials and invited guests.
Her appointment comes at a time when the county is seeking to unlock the economic potential of its vast marine and livestock resources.
The new executive holds a PhD in Maritime Governance and Environmental Management from the University of Malaysia Terengganu, a credential that county leaders say aligns directly with Lamu’s blue economy ambitions.
In her acceptance speech, Jefwa said she had already secured commitments from investors to establish a maritime training school in Lamu, aimed at equipping local youth with skills for employment in the shipping and maritime sectors.
“I am going to work for the governor and the people of Lamu, and I will work closely with his team to ensure the County Integrated Development Plan is fully implemented, starting with the Lamu Maritime Training Centre,” she said.
Jefwa outlined plans to partner with shipping companies and recruitment agencies to secure sea time for cadets, a critical requirement for maritime certification, while also developing a curriculum tailored to both national and international standards.
“I will incorporate shipping companies and recruitment agencies to get sea time for our cadets and create the best national and international curriculum for the people of Lamu. I have already started the process and you will see changes very soon,” she added.
Calling for collective responsibility, the new executive urged leaders and residents to support her work and hold her accountable.
“Correct me when I make mistakes and support me when I make the right decisions for our people. Collaboration will be key if we are to deliver meaningful development,” she said.
Governor Issa Timamy, who presided over the ceremony, said Jefwa’s docket sits at the heart of Lamu’s economic future, noting that fisheries, livestock, and cooperatives directly support thousands of livelihoods.
“Sabrina Mkare Jefwa, your docket speaks for itself and goes straight 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,” Timamy said.
The governor noted that the blue economy remains one of the county’s most underutilised assets, with significant potential to generate employment if properly harnessed.
“Fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, and maritime trade remain largely untapped. I urge you to focus on strengthening value chains, supporting cooperatives, enhancing food security, and ensuring our marine resources are exploited responsibly for both present and future generations,” he added.
During the same ceremony, Aisha Omar was also sworn in as the County Executive for Climate Change, reinforcing the county’s focus on environmental governance.
Several leaders attended the event, including Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech, Office of the Deputy President Secretary for Administration and Programmes Arnold Mkare, Lamu Woman Representative Muthoni Marabu, and Lamu East MP Ruweida Obbo.
Obbo praised the appointment as a milestone for women and youth leadership in the county.
“This is proof that we are making progress towards realising our dreams as women in Lamu County. I encourage you to work hard and make the governor proud for believing in women leadership,” she said.
Jefwa’s appointment adds to growing national conversations on youth inclusion, gender representation, and skills-driven leadership within Kenya’s devolved governments.
