Dr Sabrina Jefwa has emerged as one of Kenya’s youngest county executives, combining advanced academic qualifications with a career in maritime affairs and environmental governance.
Jefwa made history on December 15, 2025, when she was sworn in as a County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in Lamu County at the age of 24. Her appointment placed her among the youngest county ministers to serve under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy appointed her to oversee the Fisheries, Blue Economy, Livestock and Cooperative Development docket, a portfolio central to the coastal county’s economic activities.
At 25, Jefwa has built an academic and professional profile spanning maritime governance, law, business and environmental management.
Academic qualifications
Jefwa holds a PhD in Maritime Governance and Environmental Management from the University of Malaysia Terengganu, a qualification that aligns with her responsibilities in Lamu’s fisheries and blue economy sectors.
She also earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Swansea University in 2023. Her other academic qualifications include a degree in Business, Law and Social Sciences from Nottingham Trent International College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Law and Law Enforcement Administration from Nottingham Trent University.
Her professional training also includes certifications from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS).
The combination of her academic background and maritime expertise has positioned her to work on issues affecting the coastal economy, including marine governance, employment and sustainable resource management.
Career before County Government
Before joining the Lamu County Government, Jefwa worked in the maritime sector, gaining experience in advisory and academic roles.
She began her career as a maritime affairs adviser at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Nairobi. She later served as a part-time adjunct lecturer at the Technical University of Mombasa.
Before her appointment as a county executive, Jefwa worked as a maritime adviser with the Western Indian Ocean Governance Initiative (WIOGI).
Beyond her professional engagements, she is an associate member of the Association of Maritime Practitioners in Kenya and the founder of the Sabrina Foundation.
Her experience across maritime affairs, education and community initiatives has informed her focus on expanding opportunities for young people and women in Lamu County.
How much does Sabrina Jefwa earn?
As a County Executive Committee Member, Jefwa is entitled to a basic monthly salary of Ksh242,550, according to a 2024 Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) remuneration report.
In addition to her basic pay, she receives a monthly house allowance of Ksh80,000 and an airtime allowance of Ksh10,000.
The benefits attached to the position also include official transport provided by the county government. The vehicle assigned to a CECM is required to have an engine capacity not exceeding 2,000cc.
County executives are also entitled to annual medical insurance covering themselves, one spouse and up to four children aged below 25 years.
The medical package includes Ksh100,000 for maternity services, Ksh200,000 for outpatient treatment and Ksh3 million for inpatient care. It further provides Ksh50,000 for optical services and another Ksh50,000 for dental treatment.
These benefits form part of the remuneration package for county executive committee members, in addition to their monthly salaries.
Jefwa’s plans for Lamu County
Upon accepting her appointment, Jefwa outlined plans to attract investment into Lamu’s maritime sector, with a particular focus on training and employment opportunities.
She disclosed that she was already engaging investors over the establishment of a maritime training school in the county. The proposed institution was expected to help strengthen the local economy while equipping residents with skills relevant to the maritime industry.
Jefwa also pledged to work with shipping companies and recruitment agencies to expand employment opportunities for young people in Lamu.
Addressing leaders and residents following her appointment, she called for cooperation and accountability as she took up her new responsibilities.
“I urge all leaders and residents of Lamu to support my docket so that we can all enjoy the fruits of devolution together. Correct me when I make mistakes and support me when I make the right decisions for our people,” she said.
Since assuming office, Jefwa has participated in programmes aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and creating economic opportunities for residents.
On September 10 and 11, 2026, she hosted the Blue Economy Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Incubation Bootcamp, which brought together 100 young people and women.
Held under the theme “From Funding to Sustainable Enterprise,” the initiative provided participants with training, business clinics, networking opportunities and access to financing opportunities.
The programme formed part of efforts to help young people and women develop sustainable enterprises within the blue economy and related sectors.
