By giving us the unconditional GiveDirectly does very well as many people are getting empowered. A quick check within my village, new buildings, new businesses, increased number of children going to school and many other. This shows that the money is of great help to us in removing poverty from our lives.

I previously used to earn KSH 4000 per month to help in raising livestock for my employer. When the drought struck our village, most of the livestock died. My employer had no choice but to end my employment contract, leaving me jobless. I have spent the better part of last year digging in my farm, but without rain I could harvest nothing from the farm. When I received my first transfer, I spent KSH 1500 to buy 5 chicken. I bought the chicken as I want to venture into poultry farming. Since I have the knowledge to rear different type of livestock, I want to try it. Besides buying the chicken, I spent KSH 1000 to buy food for my family. With no job, I had no money and to prevent my family from starving, buying the food was a wise decision for me. For the remaining KSH 500, I ordered more chicken and made a promise to pay the remaining amount once I received my next transfer.

Due to my ailment I just stayed home all day through being taken care of and watched over by my family and that is when I received a notification that the money from GiveDirectly. I was honestly very happy because I was in so much pain due to the sickness which I tried to cover so that my family would be less worried. Therefore instantly seeking medical attention was almost a no brainer.

Were it not for the funds I received I genuinely have no idea if I would still be alive and telling you this story. It is honestly a great testimony for both my family and I . If I could, I would thank the guys behind this program personally but this too will do. Apart from that I also feel less of a burden to my family because I too can chip in through this funds and I am thankful and indebted to you guys.

Even before receiving the transfer my health was very poor. I could barely walk and every time I tried to I fell and my family members had to assist me and carry me from place to place when I needed to move and I was constantly have a running stomach which made my health even worse because I was dehydrating and yet I am very old. When I received the money my family immediately ushered me to the hospital to seek medical attention because my situation was dire and almost everyone was concerned. After the checks they declared I barely had enough blood in my system and prescribed medication which cost me KES 700. As for what was left which was about KES 450 I took care of nourishment because I did not work due to my old age and thus made no income and having a meal would in turn boost my health and recuperate much faster so I bought sugar, maize flour, beans, tea leaves and even bread.