Lamu County emerged as the most prominently represented coastal county during the launch of the Foreign Policy Mashinani: Coast Edition, held at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa.
The event marked a key milestone in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs’ nationwide effort to sensitise communities on Kenya’s updated foreign policy, as articulated in Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025.
Lamu stood out as the only coastal county led by its sitting Governor, H.E. Issa Timamy, while Kilifi County was represented by its Deputy Governor and other counties sent lower-ranking officials.
Governor Timamy’s presence, alongside a strong team, underscored Lamu’s commitment to ensuring grassroots involvement in shaping and understanding Kenya’s foreign policy direction.
The Governor was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Chief of Staff Mr Abdulnasir, Chief Officer for Public Service Management Ms Khadija Fumo, representatives from the Directorate of Legal Affairs and Peace Unit Ms Kulthum Harith and Mr Shee Kupi, and Ms Amina Omar, CEO of the County Public Service Board.
Community leaders representing youth and women groups, as well as National Government officials, were also part of the delegation, further highlighting the county’s inclusive approach to the Mashinani programme.
Governor Timamy emphasised that Foreign Policy Mashinani presents a unique opportunity to deepen grassroots participation while positioning Lamu to tap into emerging opportunities in the blue economy, LAPSSET corridor, maritime security, trade, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.
He reiterated Lamu’s strategic importance as a maritime gateway and the custodian of the renowned Lamu Cultural Festival, which continues to play a meaningful role in advancing cultural diplomacy and strengthening Kenya’s global profile.
The Foreign Policy Mashinani programme is expected to be rolled out across the country, culminating in an Impact Report that integrates citizen priorities into Kenya’s foreign policy practice.