Sponsored by Hon. Scholastica Masidis Madowo, South East Alego Ward, MCA, this Bill is the first of its kind in Kenya focused on safeguarding the dignity of widows. It was introduced to the House on 29th July, 2025, and subsequently referred to the Committee on Education, Youth Affairs, Gender, and Social Services for consideration.

The Committee facilitated public participation and gathered views from members of the public and mapped stakeholders across all six Sub-Counties of Siaya.

The principal aim of the Bill is to address the unique challenges faced by widows, particularly concerning inheritance rights, economic empowerment, and protection from abuse and discrimination relating to the widows of Siaya.

The specific objects of the Bill include;

1. To establish committees to protect and promote the rights and privileges of widows

2. To establish a fund to promote the economic and social empowerment of widows

3. To create awareness and social mobilization on the rights and freedoms of widows

4. To develop programmes to promote the welfare of widows

5. To protect widows from participating in forced retrogressive cultural practices

Hon. Madowo emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of widows, noting that “the Bill will protect them from participating in forced retrogressive cultural practices in the context of funeral rites and social ceremonies such as ritual cleansing, scarification, and forced remarriage.’

Section 16 of the Bill establishes the Siaya County Widows Welfare Fund, which will offer low-interest loans to registered self-help widow groups to facilitate social and economic empowerment of widows. The fund will also support the training and education of widows in Vocational and Technical Training Centers.

The amended Section 23(f) of the Bill outlines fines to be charged and time of imprisonment against anybody who violates the rights of a widow by forcing her to indulge in retrogressive cultural practices. This provision aims to protect widows’ rights consistent with Article 28 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which states that, “every person has inherent dignity and the right to have that dignity respected and protected.”

To systematically address issues faced by widows, the Bill establishes the County Directorate of Widows Affairs, which shall, among other things, assess and review all county policies relating to widows and advise the County government and other stakeholders on all matters pertaining to their welfare.

The Session was attended by representatives from various organizations dedicated to advocating for the protection and advancement of widows’ rights.