PS Omollo’s Empowerment Program Builds Home for 90-Year-Old Widow

A 90-year-old widow in Homa Bay County has received a new home, bringing an end to years of living in difficult conditions.

Hellena Adera Opundo, who hails from Kanyadota Ward in Nziwa Constituency, had struggled for years without a decent home. 

The 90-year-old widow has also endured significant personal loss, having lost five of her seven children.

According to Helena’s daughter, Mary Atieno, her mother has struggled since the death of her father. 

“We were seven siblings in our family, two girls and five boys. All the boys died, and we have remained just the two of us, my sister and I. My mother has suffered all this while since our dad departed,” Atieno narrated. 

Hellena’s story has now changed following the intervention of the Widows Empowerment Program, which is under the patronage of Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo. 

The 90-year-old was identified as one of the elderly widows living in difficult conditions, and a decision was made to build her a safe, dignified, and comfortable home.

The construction of Helena’s new house began with the foundation, followed by the gradual erection of the walls, completion of the rooms and installation of the roof.

The completion of the house became a moment of celebration for the community, with family members, neighbors and well-wishers gathering to witness Hellena moving into her new home. 

For the 90-year-old widow, the new house represents more than shelter. It is a reminder that she has not been forgotten, that her life and story matter, and that even in old age, a new beginning is still possible.

“My house was leaking when it rained. I am thankful for the support you have given me. I wish you the best of life and good health. PS Raymond Omollo, thank you so much; be blessed,” Hellena said. 

Hellena now has a place where she can live more peacefully and continue sharing life with her 13 grandchildren and the generations that follow. 

The Widows Empowerment Programme, which is spearheaded by PS Omollo, has been supporting widows since 2023. 

In February, the program handed over a newly built house to Jackline Ongeso, a mother of six who was struggling alone following the death of her husband. 

Speaking after the house was completed, Ongeso said the new home has brought hope to her family.

"I am a widow, and I have six children; raising these children is not an easy task; it is only through prayers and determination. Before my husband passed away, whatever little we had, we would share and raise these children together," she said.

The Widows Empowerment Programme has been rolled out to several counties in the country, including Siaya, Uasin Gishu, Makueni, Kitui, Machakos, Embu, Meru, Nyeri, and Kakamega. 

Plans are also underway to expand the initiative to Kwale, Kilifi, and Mombasa counties.