Widows from Kajiado County received over one million shillings in seed capital following the launch of the ‘Loitokitok Widows Sacco’ during a vibrant and well-attended event held at Lenkai School in Kimana Ward, Kajiado South Constituency.
The gathering, which brought together more than 3,000 widows, included the donation of 50 goats to enhance milk production in homes and increase income generation for windows facing financial strain after the loss of their spouses.
During the event, which was attended by the spouse of the Deputy President, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, First Lady of Kajiado County Edna Lenku, Nominated Senator Peris Tobiko, Kimana MCA James Kuya, Bishop John Parit, and other leaders from religious organizations, as well as national and county governments, the widows also received dry foodstuffs, including rice and beans.
Bishop Parit noted that since the efforts to uplift the vulnerable began in Kajiado County, in collaboration with Pastor Dorcas, their lives have been transformed through initiatives such as tree nursery establishment, chicken farming, and goat rearing.
Kikoran Kirasi, 81, expressed gratitude for the generous support, noting that the donation of goats and foodstuffs would help alleviate the daily struggles faced by many vulnerable widows.
Serah Loomputua, 56, highlighted the persistent issues of land, property, and inheritance, particularly in polygamous families, which remain problematic for widows.
Pastor Dorcas reaffirmed her commitment to supporting widows, using the resources available to her, and emphasized the importance of prayer and unity, stating that with faith, all things are possible.
She encouraged the widows to save through the Sacco and diversify their investments to include candle making, beekeeping, and goat farming on a larger scale.
“When we save even a little in the Sacco and engage in economic activities, we can prosper and achieve great things in ourselves and our nation. I believe in women and their ability to work hard,” said Pastor Dorcas.
She expressed concern that with Kenya having a population of over 8 million widows, making up more than 10 percent of the country’s population, it is a crisis that must not be ignored.
First Lady Edna Lenku stated that the launch of the Sacco would uplift those at the bottom and bring hope into their lives.
“The Sacco can provide training opportunities for the widows. Kenyans can also learn from the West, where children are encouraged to be independent by the age of 18, and from the Asian community, where children are taught from a young age to have a business mindset,” said First Lady Lenku.
Senator Peris Tobiko praised women for their financial management skills, noting that a shilling in the hands of a woman is not the same as a shilling in the hands of a man.
“When a woman has KSh500 or KSh1000, it goes a long way, and even the man will find it at home in the form of food and other necessities. But for a man, it might go through the butchery and other places, and the money will be spent,” said Senator Tobiko.
