Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has pledged to provide support to widows in the county government to enhance their welfare and protect them from any form of oppression.
Governor Barasa said one of the major challenges widows encounter is being denied the right to inherit land from their deceased husbands, leaving them struggling to fend for their families.
He vowed to support widows to be recognised in land succession matters as he outlined projects to be undertaken by the county government to improve their livelihoods.
Speaking during the International Widows Day fete in Kakamega on Sunday, Governor Barasa said that in July this year, the county government will launch an ambitious economic empowerment programme targeting widows.
Among the projects to be initiated is the distribution of small stocks that include chickens to replace the One-Cow Initiative, which he said is costly.
He also urged widows to take advantage of the county government’s Sh50,000 grant support to groups to fund income-generating activities.
“We shall ensure widows are the priority recipients of these funds as we focus on their economic empowerment,” the governor noted.
Governor Barasa said the county government will continue with the Shelter Improvement project, which involves the construction of 360 houses annually for vulnerable community members.
By Hidaya Manya
