Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Reaffirms Commitment to Widows' Empowerment and Inclusive Development

Kilifi Deputy Governor  Flora Mbetsa Chibule  has reaffirmed the county government's commitment to protecting the rights and improving the welfare of widows through inclusive policies and targeted empowerment programmes.

Speaking after a public engagement with more than 300 widows from Mwijo Village in Kaya Fungo Ward, the Deputy Governor said the forum provided a valuable platform for the county leadership to listen to the challenges facing widows and explore practical solutions aimed at enhancing their livelihoods and social well-being.

She was accompanied by County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Energy, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development Jane Kamto, Chief Officer for Resource Mobilization George Mwangiri, Chief Officer for Devolution, Civic Education and Public Participation Samuel Menza, Liaison Officer in the Office of the Governor Furaha Chengo Ngumbao, and County Solicitor  Henry Chipende.

Mbetsa said the discussions focused on strengthening government interventions that promote economic empowerment, access to justice, quality healthcare, education, and social protection for widows, noting that these are critical pillars in building resilient and self-reliant communities.

She emphasized that widows deserve equal opportunities to participate in the county's development and should be supported through programmes that safeguard their dignity while expanding access to economic opportunities and essential public services.

"The voices of widows matter, and their concerns must continue to inform our policies and development programmes. As a county government, we are committed to ensuring that every widow is treated with dignity, protected from discrimination, and empowered to improve her quality of life," she said.

The Deputy Governor reiterated that the Kilifi County Government will continue working closely with communities and stakeholders to implement people-centred initiatives that leave no one behind, reaffirming the administration's commitment to building an inclusive, compassionate, and economically empowered Kilifi County.