Widows in Kenya must be empowered economically to enable them to provide for their families.
Deputy President’s Spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, noted that there are over 8 million widows in Kenya, and a majority are often left struggling to provide for their families after their husbands pass on.
Speaking in Kimana, Kajiado South, during the launch of the Loitokitok Widows Sacco, Pastor Rigathi said widows face many challenges, including disinheritance, discrimination, financial instability, and emotional distress, thus being unable to adequately provide for their children.
She emphasised that economic empowerment of widows is the gateway through which all the economic, social, and cultural barriers can be broken, and widows must be supported through social-economic empowerment projects so as to enable them to be self-reliant.
“Widows face many challenges in society, and they must be empowered economically so as to enable them to live a dignified life and provide for their families,” she said.
Pastor Rigathi reiterated that for many years, widows have been marginalised and have lacked access to financial services; thus, the launch of the Sacco will give them a platform for saving money and accessing affordable loans.
“The launch of this Sacco will create a financial platform to access affordable credit, support livelihoods, and overcome barriers such as lack of collateral. It will also offer opportunities for financial literacy and promote business and entrepreneurship,” she said.
She further urged widows to form support groups to encourage one another and embrace income-generating activities such as beekeeping, beadwork, and dairy-goat keeping, among others.
Nominated Senator Peris Tobiko, underscored challenges faced by widows and called on the county government and development partners to support programmes in the county that are aimed at empowering them financially.
“Widows face a myriad of challenges, including being disinherited from their matrimonial property by their in-laws. They must be supported economically to enable them to be financially independent,” said Tobiko.
Over 3000 widows attended the Sacco launch at Kimana, where they received food stuff, dairy goats, and over one million shillings.
By Rop Janet
