The newly-enacted Siaya County Widow’s Social Protection Law is set to take effect in the upcoming 2026/2027 Financial Year, marking a significant milestone in safeguarding the rights of widows across the county.
Siaya County Assembly Member for West Gem Ward, Mrs. Susan Okwiri Sino, confirmed that the only pending step is the development of policy regulations to guide its implementation. The Bill was passed by the Siaya County Assembly and assented to by Governor James Orengo before the close of last year.
Speaking at her home in Malunga village, where she hosted more than 200 widows from Gem Constituency for a New Year celebration, Mrs. Okwiri expressed deep gratitude to all who supported the law’s passage. She assured the widows that the legislation will finally address their long-standing grievances.
Widows at the gathering, led by Mary Atieno, Maurine Atieno, and Caroline Akinyi, welcomed the development with relief and optimism.
They voiced confidence that the law will shield them from harassment by unscrupulous in-laws who have often violated their rights.
Many recounted experiences of humiliation and disinheritance, noting that widows are frequently denied access to their late husbands’ property.
During the event, the widows also received donations of essential food items including wheat flour, sugar, and cooking oil alongside a small stipend, support they warmly appreciated.
