Lamu tourism breathes sigh of relief

The curfew on Lamu has caused immense economic damage to the island’s hotels and resorts and other tourism operators and a number of restaurants and hotels have, in fact, closed down. Tourists stayed away rather than being marooned in their hotels in the evening, a time of day when the culture and customs of Lamu’s inhabitants are most visible

So it was with a collective sigh of relief that Lamu’s tourism industry welcomed the news that broke just before Christmas that the newly-appointed Cabinet Secretary for the Interior, Major General (Rtd) Joseph Nkaissery had lifted the curfew for the island itself, though maintaining it for the mainland area of Lamu County.

Although the curfew was lifted for the time of the 2014 Lamu Cultural Festival which was held in November, it was done at such a late stage that few traveled from upcountry at the time.

The instant reversal of the curfew for the tourist island of Lamu, moments after Nkaissery was sworn in, was broadly welcomed but also showed how the contentious orders of former Police Chief Kimaiyo to keep the island under curfew was viewed within Kenya’s leadership. Most of the Kenya coast political and administrative leaders were in agreement that this was one of the worst thought out directives by a man who generally lacked good fortune and wise council and was clearly promoted beyond his capabilities.

The new arrangements prompted an immediate travel boom from Nairobi, and one of the main airlines flying on the route from Wilson Airport to the Lamu aerodrome, Safarilink, reported a rise in demand for tickets over the Christmas and forthcoming New Year period.

Following the lifting of the curfew, many more visitors are expected to watch the annual New Year’s Day Shela Dhow Race. Next comes the Lamu Painters Festival from February 2-15, followed by the Lamu Yoga Festival which will be held from March 12-15. These events are expected to bring many more local and foreign visitors back to the island now that the situation has returned to normal.

No security incidents ever did take place on the island itself unlike in other parts of the county on the mainland, which were severally affected by Al Shabab attacks with the then Interior Secretary Ole Lenku and his Police Chief seemingly unable to restore security, ultimately resulting in both of them being sacked.

The Law Society of Kenya in fact filed suit against Kimaiyo to compel him to lift the curfew for the island, but at the time he was forced into early retirement the case had not been determined.

While no replacement has been named for him yet, this appointment is expected to be taken within the next few days with the new man in the post first having to repair the PR damage his hapless predecessor has caused the police and restore confidence in the service, also largely eroded under Kimaiyo’s reign.