Over 700 widows gathered at the Christian Foundation Fellowship church hall in Kangal, Embu County to mark the launch of the Widows and Orphans Program under the auspices of the Office of Vice President Spouses (OSDP) in the region.
The meeting at the Christian Foundation Fellowship church hall was attended by both young people and elderly widows.
On January 16, 2024, Pastor Dorcas Ligasi, spouse of Vice President Ligasi Gachagua, interacted with Embu widows during a three-day visit to the county. Accompanying her was Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire who was instrumental in initiating the empowerment initiative for her widow.
During the meeting, Pastor Dorcas and Governor Mbarire assured the widows of upcoming programs aimed at uplifting them.
Embu County Social Development Director Pauline Gichovy addressed the gathering and outlined plans for widows to form groups to promote self-improvement and family well-being.
Related – Pastor Dorcas grieves over widow who had sex for fish in Kisumu
A delegation from OSDP led by Director of Widows and Orphans Program Esther Waiganjo actively participated and provided insight into OSDP's dedication to supporting widows and orphans.
Waiganjo played a key role in establishing groups in different areas of the county that would participate in seminars and empowerment efforts.
“We will facilitate sessions on capacity building, social development and economic empowerment,” she said.
The OSDP Widows Program is not limited to Embu County. It also reaches Nairobi, Nakuru and Narok counties.
A notable example is the establishment of a nursery by widows in Nairobi that has planted approximately 300,000 trees. Kajiado has successfully started a nursery and has recently been generating revenue from the sale of seedlings.
Pastor Dorcas was influenced by widows in his upbringing and has a deep passion for supporting widows, a commitment he has maintained since his college days.
Her firm's vision centers on “a dignified future for vulnerable people,” with a particular focus on boys, widows, orphans, and people with disabilities. This vision is based on the pillars of Chaplaincy, Outreach and Family Values and embodies a holistic approach to society's well-being.
