By Roseline Orwa, Founder & Director of Rona Foundation – Widows for Peace Partner in Kenya.

Kenya’s Concrete Steps to Protect Widows: Siaya County’s Model and Governor James Orengo’s Commitment offers a Beacon of Hope.

Kenya’s dedication to implementing the UN Resolution on the Situation of Widows is evident through the remarkable strides made in Siaya County. Siaya has gone beyond lip service by drafting the Siaya Widows Protection policy, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at safeguarding widows’ rights. The county’s commitment to this cause is exemplified by Governor James Orengo, who has been a strong advocate for the widows’ agenda. Siaya County’s advances, and in particular Governor Orengo’s commitment, and the significance of tangible actions exemplifies the role of male champions and duty bearers in ensuring the well-being of widows.

Governor James Orengo’s Commitment

The lake region County has taken a bold step towards implementing the UN Resolution on the Situation of Widows by developing Siaya Widows Protection policy. This comprehensive policy encompasses legal, social, and economic support systems to address the unique challenges faced by widows. By drafting this policy, Siaya County is actively moving away from mere lip service and towards concrete actions that aims to leave no woman behind.
In particular, Governor James Orengo has shown unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of widows. In his recent address to stakeholders during CIDP validations, he affirmed his believes in the importance of addressing the challenges faced by widows and providing them with the support they need, that includes establishing the department of widowed persons within the Department of Gender. In his own words, he said, “Widows in our society face immense difficulties and discrimination. It is our duty to protect their rights and ensure they have equal opportunities. We shall move forward and integrate Rona’s charter and FPFK policy to form the Siaya Widows Protection Policy.”
This commitment sets Governor Orengo, a renown human rights lawyer apart – as widow rights champion. His role as a duty bearer is instrumental in advocating for the Siaya Widows Protection policy, recognizing the urgency of the issue. “We cannot just talk about gender equality; we must take practical steps to protect our widows. It is our responsibility as a society to uplift them and create an inclusive environment where they can thrive.”, he further stated during a meeting with Maendeleo ya Wanawake in the same month.

Siaya County’s Advances and Impact

Siaya County’s commitment to widows’ welfare goes beyond the drafting of the Siaya Widows Protection policy. The county elected three widows out of four women as members of the county assembly (MCAs) – breaking the jinx in the 2022 election. Siaya has committed to establishing a dedicated directorate of widowed persons, to provide essential services such as legal aid, counseling, and economic empowerment resources. Through Dr. Edgar Otumba, CECM for Education, Youth Affairs, Gender and Social Services, speaking to the key stakeholders – Governor Orengo has promised that this unit will receive the necessary support and resources to fulfill its mission.

Additionally, Siaya County has conducted numerous awareness campaigns to challenge harmful cultural practices and beliefs that perpetuate discrimination against widows through media, community outreaches and widow legislators by various partners (CSOs) such as Siaya Muungano Youth Network, FPFK – widow’s project, and Rona, that has continued to spearhead the campaigns. Through these campaigns, the county has increased knowledge towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for widows, encouraging positive societal change by community members.

The Governor Orengo expressed his vision, saying, “We want to change the narrative and protect widows. They should be seen as strong individuals capable of contributing to society, not victims. It is our duty to legislate laws that advance widow rights, and provide opportunities for widows to rebuild their lives.”

Kenya’s commitment to implementing the UN Resolution on the Situation of Widows is demonstrated by Siaya County’s concrete actions. The drafting of the Siaya Widows Protection policy and Governor James Orengo’s unwavering commitment highlight the importance of moving beyond mere lip service. Siaya County’s advances, including the establishment of the directorate of widowed persons and awareness campaigns, create a promising path towards protecting widows’ rights.

Through these efforts, Kenya aims to empower widows, outlaw harmful traditional norms, and widow’s full inclusion and participation in society.

Roseline Orwa is the Founder & Director of Rona Foundation, a grassroots organisation in Kenya that works to advance and protect widows’ rights, as well as provide support to orphans and vulnerable children. She is a lifelong Fellow of the Atlantic Social Economic and Equity Program at the London School of Economics for social and economic equity. An Aspen New Voices Fellow 2021, and a Storyteller with The Moth Africa. She tweets @Roseline Orwa.