Madam Jane Akinyi Sije is a 65-year-old widow in Kanyadoto Ward, Ndhiwa Constituency, Homa Bay County.

Akinyi is a mother of two after one of her children passed away in 1999. But Akinyi wears many hats… she is not only a widow and a mother, but she is also a grandmother of three grandchildren.

She has been living in a worrying state, calling home a dilapidated, mud-thatched house in Kanyadoto Village, with no one to come to his aid.

Akinyi’s life, however, took a positive turn on Saturday, August 3 afternoon when she was finally presented with a brand new, fully-furnished semi-permanent house.

All this would not be possible, were it not for Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo’s Widows Empowered Program.

As a member of the Kaa gi Kacha Widows Group, Akinyi has found a community of women who understand the difficult journey, the struggles and the importance of standing together.

Through the Widows Empowerment Program, Akinyi and many other widows are finding renewed hope, friendship and opportunities to improve their lives.

Beyond the support, the program is creating a space where women can feel heard, valued and encouraged to keep moving forward. Akinyi’s story is a reminder that even after loss, there is still room for hope, dignity and a new chapter.

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