By Jabali Media
A Kisumu widow is thanking her lucky stars, after moving from a shanty to a decent, new semi-permanent house courtesy of Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo.
For years, 56-year-old Grace Adhiambo alongside her five children lived in a small mud structure in Seme Katieno village, Seme constituency.
She used to cover some parts of the house with polyethene papers whenever it rained, until the PS came through for her in a big way, courtesy of the Widows Empowerment Program (WEP).
The house was handed over to her on Sunday, April 06, 2025 in a ceremony that saw villagers turn up in large numbers to celebrate her milestone.
The mother of three daughters and two sons could not hide her joy, after her status as the newest house owner in Seme was confirmed.
“I am very happy,” she declared.
“I thank President William Ruto and PS Omollo for this gesture. May their supportive hand reach out to other widows faced with the situation I was in,” she added.
A neighbour, Beatrice Auma echoed her sentiments, urging the PS through WEP to assist more women who are living in dilapidated houses.
Vitalis Ogendo, a member of WEP said they on weekly basis empower widows who are registered in their self-help groups.
Adhiambo's dilapidated house. Photo/Courtesy
It was through one of the groups that Adhiambo’s plight came to the fore, occasioning swift action.
“We have been giving chairs to the widow-groups, besides teaching them about financial literacy,” he stated.
According to Victor Ayugi, coordinator, the Widows Empowerment Program seeks to restore hope, build resilience, and promote self-reliance among widows.
WEP also sponsors education for students from needy backgrounds.
