Siaya County Assembly has made history by unanimously passing the Widows Protection Bill and being the first assembly in the country to pass such a bill.

The landmark legislation is aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of widows across the county. Its passage marks a turning point in the county’s efforts to address long-standing injustices and social challenges faced by widows, particularly those rooted in cultural and economic marginalisation.

Sponsored by South East Alego MCA Scholastica Madowo, the Bill seeks to address harmful traditional customs that are oppressive to widows, including forced wife inheritance and property disinheritance by relatives.

Madowo emphasised that the legislation is designed to restore dignity and social protection for widows who, for years, have suffered in silence due to outdated cultural norms.

“This is about protecting the rights of widows in society and ensuring that their dignity is protected,” she said during the assembly session.

One of the key provisions of the Bill is the establishment of registration committees at both the county and ward levels. These committees will be responsible for identifying and registering widows, monitoring their welfare and ensuring that their rights are upheld.

The committees will also serve as official channel through which widows can report cases of discrimination, harassment or abuse. The legislation also addresses the persistent issue of land ownership and inheritance, which has been a major source of conflict and exploitation for widows in Siaya.

By mandating that widows retain full ownership and control over property left by their spouses, the Bill seeks to eliminate the injustices that have often left them homeless and destitute after the death of a partner.

In addition to legal protection, the Widows Protection Bill includes strong economic empowerment measures. It provides for the creation of financial support structures through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations, or revolving funds and organised widows’ groups.

These initiatives are expected to improve widows’ access to credit, business opportunities and county development programmes.

MCA Madowo noted that economic empowerment is crucial for stable families and sustainable social protection.

“Protecting widows goes beyond sympathy. it means giving them tools to rebuild their lives. With this law, we are giving them economic wings to fly,” she said, receiving a standing ovation from her fellow legislators.

Governor James Orengo, is expected to assent to the Bill in the coming days, which would officially make it law.

Once enacted, Siaya County will be the first in Kenya to have a comprehensive legal framework specifically designed to protect widows.

The law is expected to serve as a model for other counties, inspiring similar initiatives across the country. For many, the Bill’s passage is a moment of triumph after years of advocacy by women’s groups and human rights organisations.

The legislation had been tabled and rejected several times over the past 13 years, facing resistance from leaders who argued it would interfere with local customs. Its successful passage this year signals a significant shift in attitudes toward women’s rights and social justice in Siaya.

Local organisations such as RONA led by the director, Roseline Orwa, have lauded the Assembly’s decision, calling it a victory for gender equality and dignity for the widows.

“This law will finally give widows a voice and a shield,” said Dorcas Akinyi, chairperson of the Siaya Widows Network. “For too long, our mothers and sisters have lived in fear of being dispossessed or stripped of property. Today, that changes.”

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Calvin Otieno