Stakeholders Push for Widows Protection Law as Calls for Justice and Economic Empowerment Intensify.

By Our Reporter M. Momanyi.

Widows’ rights advocates, lawmakers and government officials have renewed calls for stronger legal safeguards and economic support for widowed persons, with growing backing for the proposed Widowed Persons Protection Bill 2026.

The renewed push came during Pre-International Widows Day celebrations held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi and organized by the Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO). The event brought together widows from across the country under the theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Power for Widows – The African Perspective.”

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, the sponsor of the Widowed Persons Protection Bill 2026, said the proposed legislation seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework to protect widows from injustices such as property grabbing, discrimination and exclusion. He noted that the Bill is intended to safeguard the rights and dignity of widowed persons while promoting their inclusion in economic and social development.

CTWOO founder Dr Diana Kamande said many widows continue to grapple with legal battles, economic hardship and inadequate social protection despite constitutional guarantees. She urged government institutions and society at large to take concrete steps to address the challenges faced by widowed persons.

Participants were also taken through the provisions of the proposed Bill by advocate Nyawira Wachira, Chairperson of the Bill Development Committee. The forum highlighted the expected benefits of the legislation, including enhanced legal protection, social support mechanisms and expanded opportunities for economic empowerment.

The gathering further emphasized emotional healing and financial independence. Bishop Dolphina Onjula led sessions on resilience and restoration, while Phideliah Kitolo, Secretary of Come Together Widows SACCO, encouraged widows to embrace savings and cooperative societies as a means of achieving financial stability. Representing Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot, Dr Josephine Obonyo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting widows through empowerment programmes and psychosocial support services.

As Kenya joined the rest of the world in marking International Widows Day, stakeholders expressed optimism that the proposed Widowed Persons Protection Bill 2026 would help close longstanding legal and social gaps and ensure widows enjoy equal rights, dignity and opportunities to participate fully in national development.