The Lamu Cultural Festival opened on a vibrant note as students from local schools showcased remarkable creativity and technological talent during the “Technology Meets Culture”, Lamu Tech Innovation Challenge. The event, held in celebration of World Children’s Day, brought together learners, educators, and leaders from across the county to highlight the transformative impact of technology in shaping the future of young people.
The Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), led by CEO Dr. Idle Farah, arrived in Lamu with great enthusiasm for the festival, which runs from 20th to 22nd November 2025. Dr. Farah received a warm welcome at Manda Airport from Lamu Governor H.E. Issa Abdalla Timamy, EGH, underscoring the strong partnership between FCDC and the County Government of Lamu.
This year’s innovation challenge was co-implemented by FCDC and the Lamu Tech Hub, with support from the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the Ministry of Education, the ICT Authority, the Children’s Department, and other partners. Students from AMA, Mohamoud Bin Fadhil Girls, and Mohamoud Bin Fadhil Boys Primary and Junior Schools presented exceptional projects, demonstrating how technology can be integrated with local culture to inspire solutions for community development.
County leaders, Ministry of Education officials, and representatives from partner organizations attended the opening ceremony, encouraging learners to embrace innovation as a pathway to future opportunities. Awards and certificates were presented to top performers, while all participating students received recognition for their creativity and hard work.
As part of the festival activities, Governor Issa Timamy, Kwale Governor H.E. Fatuma Achani, Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, and FCDC CEO Dr. Idle Farah visited the Raspberry Pi Foundation/FCDC/Lamu Tech Hub exhibition tent. During the visit, student representative Mariam Abubakar led demonstrations highlighting the county’s growing EdTech programme and its impact on learning outcomes.
The challenge served as a meaningful celebration of World Children’s Day, honoring young minds, encouraging innovation, and demonstrating how culture and technology can come together to illuminate a brighter future for learners in Lamu and beyond.