The issue of land ownership and inheritance rights for widows in Kenya has been a longstanding challenge, with the government often criticised for not doing enough to protect widows.

Development Diaries reports that despite various legal frameworks and international conventions that advocate for women’s rights, poor implementation at the ground level remains a significant concern.

There are an estimated eight million widows in Kenya, with the country at position 33 on the list of countries in the world that have a harsh environment for widows, according to the LSE International Inequalities Institute.

One of the key issues facing widows in Kenya is the lack of clear and enforceable laws regarding land ownership and inheritance.

Customary laws and traditional practices often discriminate against widows, denying them the right to inherit their husbands’ land or property.

In many communities, land is passed down through male lineage, leaving widows vulnerable to disinheritance and land grabbing.

This is why Kenya’s Grassroots Trust for Community Organisation is fighting back by increasing community understanding of women’s rights.

Another issue widows face is the lengthy and costly legal processes involved in securing their inheritance rights. Many widows lack the financial means to navigate the legal system, making them easy targets for exploitation and land grabbing by relatives or community members.

Also, cultural stigmas and societal norms often contribute to widows facing discrimination and marginalisation, further hindering their ability to assert their rights.

To address these challenges effectively, Development Diaries calls on the Kenyan government to enforce laws that protect widows’ rights to inherit land and property, ensuring that customary laws are not discriminatory towards women.

We also urge the government to provide free or affordable legal aid services to widows to help them navigate the legal system and secure their inheritance rights.

Photo source: USAID in Africa