Kenya on Monday commemorated the 21st International Widows’ Day with a powerful affirmation of support for widows’ dignity, economic empowerment, and inclusion in national development.
First Lady Rachel Ruto led the national event at Buga Primary School in Nyamira County, where she emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to uplift widows through structured programs and social support. “Our government, under the leadership of President William Ruto, is committed to ensuring that widows are not left behind,” she declared.
The First Lady highlighted successful initiatives like the Hustler Fund and county women enterprise programmes, which have enabled over 15,000 widows to access business capital and 2,000 more to benefit from government procurement opportunities under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) framework.
“Economic empowerment is crucial, but it must go hand in hand with cultural transformation. We must end practices that strip widows of their dignity and property,” she urged, calling on communities to embrace and support widows, rather than stigmatize them.
Speaking in Kiswahili, she encouraged widows to join and remain active in self-help groups, which she said are essential for accessing government support:
“Ni vizuri kina mama tuweze kuingia katika vikundi… Serikali ina mipango mingi ambayo inaweza kusaidia akina mama.”
First Lady Rachel Ruto also made a personal appeal to Kenyans to support widows within their communities: “We can support what the government is doing. Visit them, share from your homes or farms. Let’s walk with them.”
Addressing demands for a dedicated widow’s fund, Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights Harriette Chiggai clarified that while such a fund will not be created, widows should align themselves with existing government funding programs for maximum benefit.
Nominated MP Irene Mayaka pledged to seek a formal statement in Parliament to obtain accurate data on Kenya’s widows, aiming to create a central database for improved planning and budget allocation. “We must have the right numbers if widows’ needs are to be meaningfully addressed,” she said.
Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi and Marsabit Woman Rep Naomi Waqo also echoed the need for mentorship, legal awareness, and support systems to help widows navigate the immediate and long-term challenges they face, ranging from disinheritance to social exclusion.
The event was a clarion call for national unity around widows’ welfare, combining policy, compassion, and practical action to secure their place in Kenya’s social and economic fabric.
Written By Rodney Mbua
