By Caroline Katana
Silenced by stigma, disinheritance, and cultural exclusion, widows in Kenya — particularly in Kwale County — are now being encouraged to reclaim their voices, demand justice, and take up their rightful space in leadership and economic growth.
Government officials, civil society leaders, and local stakeholders have launched a spirited campaign to integrate widows into development programs, legislative processes, and business opportunities, marking a new dawn of visibility and empowerment.
Despite the absence of a specific law protecting widows in Kenya, the 2010 Constitution provides a strong foundation for inclusion and participation in development.
Kwale County CSOs, government officials, and the private sectors are pushing to turn this constitutional promise into reality, urging widows to unite, speak out, and take charge of their economic and social future.
“There are countless government programs that widows can join and benefit from,” said acting Lungalunga Deputy County Commissioner Robert Shunet.
“We encourage them to form groups so they can advocate more effectively for their rights and access services collectively.”
Shunet emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusivity through the principle of ‘all voices matter.’
He noted that while it can be difficult for officials to reach every widow, organized groups make it easier to identify needs and offer tailored support.
Acting Lungalunga DCC, Robert Shunet
“We have programs available — widows just need to come forward, especially during public participation forums, so their views are captured in policies and upcoming legislation.”
He further urged widows to engage in the ongoing widow registration exercise, which is a critical step toward drafting a law that would offer them formal protection.
“The Constitution recognizes widows as a marginalized group. That gives them the legal grounds to demand recognition and support,” he said.
Nelly Amoite, the national gender officer in Kwale County, echoed the call for widows to be fully integrated into government empowerment programs.
“Widows have often been left behind — isolated and ignored — but that’s changing. The national government has programs open to all women, and although widow-specific funds were paused, group-based initiatives can still access financial support from relevant offices,” Amoite explained.
She also urged male widowers to break their silence.
National government gender officer for Kwale County, Nelly Amoite
“A widow is a widow — regardless of gender. Male widowers must also speak up. In the past, we focused on women because they faced more severe injustices, such as being disinherited or expelled from their homes. But now, we want inclusivity for all.”
Amoite also called on development partners to be intentional about involving widows in all initiatives.
“We have a Gender Sector Working Group in Kwale and we invite widow leaders to participate. This is where they can be linked to ministries and services that can uplift their voices.”
Mwanasiti Bakari, a widow and grassroots voice, stressed the importance of dignity and representation.
“A widow deserves respect. Communities must stop treating widows as outcasts. During this registration exercise, no widow should be left behind,” she said.
She also called for greater representation of widows in decision-making committees, both at the national and county levels.
Mwanasiti wa Mwachai, Trade Development Officer in Kwale, highlighted the economic empowerment opportunities available to widow groups.
“We offer free business training at our biashara centers, both general and specialized. We also work with agencies like Keproba to help entrepreneurs improve their products and link them to markets. Widow Groups have the right to register as companies to access government tenders — an incredible opportunity,” she said.
Trade development officer, Mwanasiti wa Mwachai
She also referenced the newly passed 2024 Kwale Business Fund Law, which opens doors for widow groups to access capital for expanding their businesses.
“They may not yet be aware of the eligibility criteria, but we are planning outreach campaigns to raise awareness across communities,” she added.
Mwanasha Gaserego, Founder and Director of Tuwajali Wajane Kwale (Let’s Care for Widows), emphasized the untapped potential of widows in development.
“Widows have brilliant ideas and strong leadership capabilities — but their voices have been muted. Through our project ‘Widows’ Voices Matter’, we’re telling stakeholders in government, civil society, and the private sector: widows deserve a seat at the table,” she said.
Her organization is working to empower widows with information, helping them understand how to join key committees.
“There are agriculture committees under ward administrators — yet many widows involved in farming don’t know these exist. The same goes for business and trade. We’re lobbying to get them into these spaces, either through goodwill or elections within their groups.”
Gaserego also celebrated the progress that widows in Kwale have made.
“We started small, but look at us now — we have a registered widow’s cooperative with approximately 289 members and over KSh 600,000 in savings. More than 30 groups have benefited from the Women Enterprise Fund, NGAAF, and Uwezo Fund. And with our Jasiri project, we’re now issuing grants to widows.” she said.
Tuwajali wajane Kwale founder, Mwanasha Gaserego
She added that today’s widow is informed and empowered.
“They know their rights and are brave enough to report abuse. Our role is to build their capacity so they can manage their development.”
These calls to action came during a high-level multi-stakeholder meeting in Msambweni to develop strategic plans to boost widows’ participation in economic initiatives and leadership spaces.
