24-Year-Old PhD Holder Makes History as Youngest CECM in Lamu County

By Ben Okweingoti 

History was made in Lamu County on Monday after a 24-year-old scholar, Sabrina Mkare Jefwa, was sworn in as the new County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Fisheries, Blue Economy, Livestock and Cooperative Development, becoming the youngest CECM in Kenya.

Ms Jefwa, who holds a PhD in Maritime Governance and Environmental Management from the University of Malaysia Terengganu, took office during a colourful ceremony held at the Lamu County headquarters in Mokowe Town. The event was attended by county residents, political leaders, government officials, family members and friends.

Also sworn in was Aisha Shariff Omar, who will head the docket of Climate Change, ICT, E-Government and Citizen Participation in Governor Issa Timamy’s administration.

In her acceptance speech, Ms Jefwa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to prioritise the development of the blue economy sector, which she described as a key pillar of Lamu’s economic future. She revealed that she had already secured commitments from investors to establish a maritime training institution in the county.

“I am going to work for the Governor and the people of Lamu, and I will work closely with his team to ensure that the County Integrated Development Plan is fully implemented. I will start with the establishment of the Lamu Maritime Training Centre,” she said.

She noted that the proposed maritime school would partner with shipping companies and recruitment agencies to secure sea-time opportunities for cadets, while also developing both national and internationally recognised training curricula.

“I will incorporate shipping companies and recruitment agencies to ensure our cadets gain the required sea time and skills. I have already begun this process, and the people of Lamu will start seeing positive changes very soon,” she added.

Ms Jefwa further called on leaders and residents to support her work, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in achieving sustainable development.

“I urge all leaders and residents of Lamu to support my docket so that together we can enjoy the fruits of devolution. Correct me when I go wrong and support me when I make the right decisions for our people,” she said.

Governor Issa Timamy congratulated the newly sworn-in CECMs and urged them to hit the ground running to help deliver his administration’s development agenda.

“Honourable Sabrina Mkare Jefwa, your docket speaks directly to the lifeblood of Lamu’s economy. Our fishermen, pastoralists, cooperatives and blue economy actors depend on visionary leadership to unlock value, protect livelihoods and ensure sustainability,” the Governor said.

He noted that the blue economy remained one of Lamu’s most underutilised assets, with the potential to create hundreds of thousands of jobs if properly developed.

“From fisheries and aquaculture to marine tourism and maritime trade, these sectors remain largely untapped. I urge you to focus on strengthening value chains, supporting cooperatives, enhancing food security and ensuring that our marine resources are exploited responsibly for both present and future generations,” he added.

Leaders present at the ceremony included Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech, Secretary of Administration and Programmes in the Office of the Deputy President Arnold Mkare, Lamu Woman Representative Muthoni Marabu and Lamu East MP Ruweida Obbo.

Ms Obbo praised the Governor for promoting women leadership, encouraging the new CECMs to work diligently and deliver results.

“I want to encourage you to work hard and make the Governor proud for believing in women leadership. This is a clear sign that we are steadily moving towards the realisation of our dreams as women in Lamu County,” she said.