The Constitution of Kenya 2010 created two levels of Government; National and County Governments. Article 220(2) of the Constitution makes it mandatory for every County to prepare Development Plans. Following the principles stated in the constitution, development planning at the Counties should be based on national values, equity, resource mobilization and concerns of the minorities and marginalized groups.

Further, it is imperative that an integrated development planning framework to enhance linkage between policy, planning and budgeting is formulated. The Kenya Vision 2030 and its Medium Term Plans provided the foundation for the preparation of the first County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs). Preparation and revision of this Lamu CIDP, therefore, was based on all aforementioned values and principles as well as various national sectorPlans.

The purpose of the CIDP is to provide comprehensive guidelines in budgeting, project funding, monitoring and evaluation of all the projects for five years.

The programmes and projects in the CIDP were identified through various consultative forums at the county level such as public participation forums, MTP II consultations, as well as the consultations on the county Medium Term Expenditure Framework. Annual work plans will be drawn to outline projects to be undertaken every financial year.

It is expected that increased participation by a wide cross section of the people during identification, planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes will help enhance the key goal of devolution which will empower citizens at county levels to realize enhanced social, political and economic development.