NOW I CAN FEED MY CHILDREN”: A WIDOW’S GRATITUDE AS NANDI COUNTY ROLLS OUT FOOD AID
As the sun cast its golden glow over Nandi County, Teresa Jepkemboi, a 42-year-old widow from Aldai, clutched a bag of foodstuffs to her chest, her eyes brimming with tears—not of sorrow, but of relief. For the past few weeks, she had struggled to put meals on the table for her four children. for the first time in a long while, she felt a weight lifted off her shoulders.
“This food means everything to me,” she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. “There have been days when I sent my children to bed hungry, praying that tomorrow would be different. Today, that prayer has been answered.”
Teresa is one of the 3,000 widows benefiting from a major food distribution initiative spearheaded by the Nandi County Government in partnership with the Office of the Women’s Rights Advisor under the Executive Office of the President. The program, led by Dr. Harriette Chiggai, aims to support widows facing economic hardship across the county.
Life for widows in rural Kenya is often marred by hardship. Many, like Teresa, lost their husbands unexpectedly and were left to fend for their families alone. With limited job opportunities and little to no financial support, survival becomes a daily battle.
“When my husband died five years ago, I had no savings, no land title in my name, and no source of income,” she recalls. “I used to depend on casual jobs, but they are not easy to come by. Sometimes, I wake up and spend the entire day looking for work, only to return home with nothing.”
Despite these challenges, Teresa remains resilient. She has been farming small patches of land, growing maize and vegetables to feed her children. But with the rising cost of living and unpredictable weather patterns, her harvests have often been too meagre to sustain them.
Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony, Nandi Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting widows and other vulnerable groups.
“We recognize the critical role that widows play in our society, yet they often face immense struggles,” Dr. Mitei stated. “This food donation is a show of our commitment to ensuring that no widow in Nandi County goes hungry. But beyond today, we are working to create long-term solutions that empower them economically.”
She further emphasized the importance of collaboration, thanking Dr. Chiggai and her office for their support in making the initiative a reality.
“We are grateful to the Office of the Women’s Rights Advisor for partnering with us on this noble cause. Together, we can uplift widows, give them a voice, and open opportunities for financial independence,” she added.
Deputy County Commissioner Alfet Jillo echoed similar sentiments, noting that the initiative was a demonstration of how government partnerships can effectively address social challenges.
While food assistance is a crucial intervention, widows in Nandi County need more sustainable support. Many have called for initiatives that provide financial training, access to credit, and job opportunities to help them become self-reliant.
As Teresa walked home with her bag of food, her heart felt lighter. For the first time in months, she wouldn’t have to worry about what her children would eat that night.
“I know life is still hard,” she admitted, “but today, I feel seen. I feel cared for. And that gives me hope for tomorrow.”