Mr Farouk said widows face a myriad of challenges, including financial constraints, social isolation, and emotional distress in raising their families.
Mr Farouk spoke during a fundraiser in aid of the Shirugu/Mugai Widows Group from Malava, Kakamega County.
Mr Kibet, urged leaders and the community to offer support to widows and all women.
“Giving women economic empowerment benefits their households, communities, and the country as a whole,” said Mr Kibet.
He said women were pivotal in the development of a strong family unit.
Mr Kibet said the country’s leadership was committed to supporting women economically from the grassroots level
Mr Kibet was accompanied by Dr Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research.
At the same time, Mr Kibet promised a bus to Samitsi Girls Secondary School and gave Sh500,000 for the construction of a school dormitory.
At Samitsi Boys Secondary, Mr Kibet offered Sh500,000 for the repair of the grounded school bus, which had previously been involved in an accident.
Ms Inyangala urged the Western region to rally behind the government for tangible development.
She said the government has major skill empowerment plans for students who complete high school through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and polytechnics.
Mr Kibet and the leaders present promised to support the legacy of the late area MP, Malulu Injendi.
Area MCA Peter Wanami said standing with widows would enhance compassion and the strength of the family.
Mr Wanami has been patronising the widows’ group.
