Almost over a decade ago I was involved in road accident where I injured my spine. I received treatment and over the years I recovered from it. But just recently it seems the impact of the accident never really got cured because I have been going through so much and had to consult a doctor because movement and sitting became challenging. As soon as I received the funds, I visited the hospital and after some tests they offered medication and I ended up paying KES 1,800 for the medical assistance. I decided to use the rest of the transfers for issues related to nutrition because I could barely farm from the injuries I sustained.I bought five packets of maize flour for KES 750 and then used the balance which was KES 450 to buy drinking water which was delivered to me by a motorist.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in terms of helping the needy and their selection criteria. Their selection criteria are top-notch and allow for a clear and transparent selection among the community members.

I am currently alone with my children who look after me. My husband died and left me all alone. I depend mostly on my children who are currently in different towns trying to do some casual jobs to survive. When I received the first transfer from giving directly it was of great help to me. I spent KSH 1000 on buying food. I had already spent two days having one meal per day before receiving the transfer and when I received it, I quickly decided to stock food for myself. Due to my hip condition, I am not in a position where I can be able to carry water over long distances. The option I only hard is to buy water and also pay for its transportation from the water to source my home. I spent the KSH 200 buying the water for my use. When I received the second transfer, I spent KSH 1000 for my medical expenses. My hip problem had escalated and I was in very much pain and sought the services of a specialist to look into my problem. The expenses of the checkup plus the medicine all amounted to KSH 1000. I used KSH 1400 of the transfer amount to buy food. The health condition I was having did not allow me to work so when the transfer came in that was my priority so that I can be able to feed well and regain my normal condition. I have my two grandkids whom I gave out the remaining KSH 600 for them to be able to go back and continue with their education.

That day I had actually attended a burial ceremony and by the time I was back my grandchild who was my trustee informed me that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was genuinely very happy because I could finally afford something to eat unlike the otherr days where I went to bed on an empty stomach.

Due to my old age and being sick frequently I barely work and on most occasions I depend on my daughter who works as a nanny in town to help provide. But at times it is hard for her as well since she has children to take care of and this includes paying for their tuition fee. Therefore I am glad because this funds have helped me to reduce the financial burden from my daughter because with this funds I too can help myself.

This year unfortunately during the rainy season I failed to till my land and plant any crops because I was very ill during the time so I did not manage to harvest anything which consequently made having a meal a problem. Therefore after I received the money I went ahead and bought a bag of maize flour which contained a dozen packets for KES 1,200 and so I had spent all my money but having a meal was important because most days I would spend the day hungry and go to bed hungry as well.