By Wakhungu Andanje
Widows across the county of Kakamega have been urged to register for county social grants before the deadline this Friday, 7th February 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen their economic empowerment. These sentiments were echoed by the County First Lady, Professor Janet Kasily Barasa, who while celebrating the New Year with widows, distributed foodstuffs and other essentials. She noted that many widows are often excluded from societal and county initiatives, underscoring the need for them to register for grants to help improve and sustain their livelihoods.
“Recognising that widows deserve love, joy, and inclusion in celebrations, we launched a countywide widows’ programme by marking the New Year with widows from across Malava Sub-County. We will extend this initiative to all sub-counties as a way of appreciating them,” she stated. Professor Barasa emphasised that widows are often overlooked when empowerment opportunities arise, highlighting the importance of supporting them, particularly through women’s groups.
“While society celebrates, widows are often forgotten. I am committed to walking with them on the journey to empowerment, and I want to assure them that my Janet Barasa Foundation will cater to their needs,” she affirmed.
As the director of the foundation, she urged widows to know their rights and encouraged them to report any violations to the relevant authorities. “Many of you face humiliation, intimidation, and various forms of abuse from close family members and society at large. Do not remain silent when subjected to these heinous acts—seek legal redress so that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and justice is served,” she advised.
Professor Barasa also expressed gratitude to the foundation’s partners for their continued support of the programme.
Among those in attendance were Kakamega County Government advisors, including Mr. Saidi Alfred Khasavuli (Strategy and Governance), Mr. Emmanuel Makokha (Youth), and Ms. Christine Oside (Gender), alongside Dr. Ezekiel Lumbasi (CEO, Kakamega Dairy Development Corporation – KDDC), Mr. David Msafiri Kulova (Acting Manager, Malava Municipality), chaperones, and other dignitaries.
