By Rasto Wamalwa
Kakamega Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa OGW, alongside his wife, Prof. Janet Kasíly Barasa, led thousands of women at Bumini Primary School Grounds, Mumias East Sub-County, in commemorating International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate Action.”
In her keynote address, Prof. Kasíly emphasized the urgency of addressing barriers that hinder women’s progress, including gender-based violence, land ownership challenges, inequality, and limited economic opportunities.
“Women should fight for their rights and learn how to overcome gender-based violence, which makes life difficult for them,” she stated, calling for bold and decisive action towards a just and equitable society.
Prof. Kasíly also raised concerns over land ownership, noting that many hardworking women lack secure land tenure, limiting their agricultural productivity and financial independence.
She called for legal and policy reforms to safeguard women’s rights to land ownership and access to farming resources.
“Many women face family disputes when they try to own land, preventing them from practicing agriculture to provide for their children,” she added.
Under Governor Barasa’s leadership, the Kakamega County Government has implemented County Social Protection Grants, affordable microfinance credit, and SGBV rescue centers to support women.
Prof. Kasíly highlighted her personal initiative, “A Helping Hand to Teen Mothers,” through which over 200 teen mothers have been reintegrated into secondary schools and TVET institutions.
Many have completed industrial attachments and are now entering the job market.
She also credited education, healthcare, and community awareness programs for a significant drop in teenage pregnancies in Kakamega, from 14,000 cases in 2022 to 9,000 cases today.
Prof. Kasíly urged society to challenge outdated beliefs, invest in women’s financial independence, and advocate for policies that eliminate poverty and discrimination.
The event was attended by MCAs, County Speaker Rt. Hon. James Namatsi, Majority Leader CPA Philip Maina, host MCA Francis Washika, Mama Hellen Savula (spouse of the Deputy Governor), County Executive Members led by CECM Mophat Mandela, DCC Kakamega Central Ms. Christine Wafula Chacha, development partners, and other dignitaries.
This year’s International Women’s Day in Kakamega County not only celebrated women’s resilience but also reinforced the county’s commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment.
