Kiunga, Lamu County – In a powerful reminder that healthcare access should know no boundaries, residents of Kiunga Ward received a long-awaited boost to their medical services this week: a refurbished ambulance boat, officially handed over by Lamu Deputy Governor designate, Dr. Mbarak Bahajaj, at Kiwayuu.
This initiative, part of the County Government’s renewed focus on inclusive and accessible healthcare, brings a crucial emergency service back to life—quite literally—for remote coastal and island communities.
A Vital Link Reestablished
The newly refurbished boat will now serve Ndau, Kiwayuu, Kiwayuu cha Ndani, Mkokoni, Madina, and Kiunga—locations where distance and rough tides have often posed major challenges in emergency response.
Previously out of commission due to mechanical issues, the boat’s reactivation means critically ill patients can now be transferred more swiftly to King Fahad Hospital in Lamu, with travel times averaging around two hours, tides permitting.
“This isn’t just a boat—it’s a lifeline. It’s a commitment to our people that help is just a call away,” said Dr. Bahajaj during the handover.
Emergency Help Is Now Closer Than Ever
Residents were also urged to use the dedicated emergency contact 0714 888 889 to summon the ambulance service whenever the need arises. The boat is now fully equipped and on standby to respond to emergency cases.
Local leaders and healthcare advocates believe this move will dramatically reduce the time taken for referrals, especially for pregnant women, accident victims, and patients with chronic illnesses requiring urgent care.
Community and Leadership Come Together
The event saw strong attendance, including the MCA for Kiunga and Majority Leader of the Lamu County Assembly, Hon. Bwana Bwana, and representatives from each of the benefiting villages. Their presence underscored a united front in addressing healthcare gaps in hard-to-reach areas.
Residents expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Issa Timamy for prioritizing their health and safety, noting that this kind of practical support is what drives real change in their daily lives.
“We have felt forgotten in the past, but today we feel seen and heard. This boat gives us peace of mind,” shared one Kiwayuu elder.
Healthcare on the Move
The return of the ambulance boat is more than a project—it’s a symbol of hope and progress. As the boat cut through the calm coastal waters during its trial run, it carried not just medical equipment, but the trust of a community that now knows help is within reach.
At a Glance
- What: Refurbished Ambulance Boat Commissioned for Kiunga Ward
- Where: Kiwayuu, serving Ndau, Kiwayuu, Mkokoni, Madina, and Kiunga
- By: County Government of Lamu, led by Deputy Governor designate Dr. Mbarak Bahajaj
- Purpose: Enhance patient referral services and emergency response
- Emergency Contact: 📞 0714 888 889
- Hospital Referred To: King Fahad Hospital, Lamu
A Step Closer to Equitable Healthcare
As Lamu County continues to invest in innovative, community-driven health solutions, the delivery of this refurbished boat stands out as a watershed moment—especially for those who live where roads don’t reach, but care must.
Stay tuned as Lamu sets sail toward a healthier, more connected future.
