•The Lamu cultural festival was highly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and its revival is a major boost to the economy
Image: ALPHONCE GARI
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has hailed the Lamu County Government for reviving the annual Mega cultural festival terming it a major economical game changer to the transformation of the hustlers' livelihood.
Mudavadi who joined the thousands of Visitors and leaders from all corners of the world in gracing the 20th Lamu Mega Cultural event said he was particularly impressed to see there were groups that were funded by the county to offer services such as selling food to visitors which will generate income and boost the economy.
The Prime CS arrived in Lamu on Friday afternoon and was received by a host of leaders from Lamu, together with top national government officials who had come for the festival.
He inspected the Multi-million Manda Airport expansion project before he visited several other projects including the Lapsset which he said has so far consumed Sh.56 billion in terms of development.
Also in attendance were governors, and deputies from the Northern Frontiers Counties Development Council, led by the Chairman Mandera Governor Mohamud Ali, Garrisas Nadhif Adam, Governor of Marsabit Mahmoud Ali, and the Deputy Governor of Wajir among others.
Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule was also present. In his speech during a dinner organized by Governor Issa Timammy, Mudavadi said the inaugural Lamu Cultural festival was key in promoting the diverse culture of the county and was critical in enhancing economic growth.
Image: ALPHONCE GARI
"We are here because there is peace, that should not be taken for granted we know what insecurity can do to our economy. We have gone through a lot of tribulations in these regions but today we are here in Lamu because there is peace," he said.
Mudavadi said through the taxes from people, they have enabled Sh.56 billion to be spent on the project adding that more funds will be injected to ensure that it is completed.
"Let's work together let's put our priorities right to ensure water is available and roads are made so as to make the project a success," he said
The Chief Minister said the financing of groups to provide services for festivals would have serious multiplier effects on the people of Lamu.
On his part, the Lamu Governor said it is through the rich culture that Lamu is listed as a world heritage site and that's why they have embraced their culture.
He assured the national government that they were committed as leaders to ensure Lamu remains a world heritage site.
"This mega cultural festival will not have been possible if it were not for your support. There were many organizations that devoted their time and funds to make this festival possible," he said.
He also thanked the Media for turning out in large numbers to highlight the cultural festival since the beginning.
Marsabit Governor Mahmoud Ali said the cultural festival portrays the very strong culture of ancient Lamu and which was a strong component in tourism.
"The people of Lamu I want to thank you for standing with your governor and continuing to embrace the culture of Lamu," he said.
He told the government to invest in the blue economy for it to leave a strong legacy as there were many opportunities in it.