Nairobi women seek Sakaja's support on Widows Bill as they hail school feeding programme

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has been urged to support the adoption of a proposed Widows Bill at the County Assembly, even as women leaders commended the county’s school feeding programme, Dishi na County, for easing household burdens.

A group of women drawn from across Nairobi under the “Daughters of the Mountain” umbrella on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Governor’s office, where they presented a memorandum calling for county backing of legislation aimed at protecting the social and economic welfare of widows.

Led by their patron Diana Kamande, the group said the Widows Bill would help address vulnerabilities faced by widows, including access to social protection, livelihoods and legal safeguards.

“We are here to celebrate this Valentine’s Day by celebrating Governor Sakaja for taking the load of food off the shoulders of mothers. Now our children can go to school without worrying about meals. It has never happened before, and now it is happening it is worth celebrating,” Diana reiterated 

The women also referenced the county’s school feeding initiative, Dishi na County, noting that it currently serves over 323,000 learners in public primary schools across the city’s 17 sub-counties. They said the programme has helped reduce the burden on low-income households by guaranteeing at least one meal per school day.

In addition, the group cited ongoing county projects, including youth employment under the Green Army initiative and construction of markets, as examples of development efforts that require continuity to deliver results. They called on residents to assess leaders based on project implementation and service delivery during election periods.

The women further announced plans to convene a public forum focusing on development and governance issues affecting Nairobi residents, with a particular emphasis on women’s socio-economic challenges.

Responding to the delegation, Governor Sakaja said his administration remains committed to implementing its development agenda and delivering services equitably across the city. He reiterated his pledge to support programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and social protection for vulnerable groups.

“I began my journey many years ago during President Kibaki’s era through the Vijana na Kibaki movement. Later, under President Uhuru Kenyatta, I served as the TNA Chairman. I have a long history of working closely with the Kikuyu community, and you have consistently supported me against many competitors. I will continue pushing forward to deliver services to all residents without any form of discrimination whatsoever,” Sakaja reiterated.

County officials present during the meeting urged residents to evaluate leadership based on performance and service delivery rather than ethnic considerations, emphasizing unity and civic engagement in local governance.