Cash grants save lives in drought-hit Kenya

Here is a brief update on the hunger crisis in East Africa. As we previously reported, more than 28 million people are fighting for their lives in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia in the worst hunger crisis in living memory. Today we want to tell you about Bishara, who has received vital support thanks to Oxfam donors.

History of Bishara

"I couldn't even afford a meal. Most days we went hungry and my guests had to go home without eating. It was a terrible life"

Bishara Khlif Gedi

Bishara is one of the millions of people severely affected by the drought in Kenya. At its worst, she could not afford food. Bishara's family is one of 3,000 in Wajir District, Kenya, who received cash grants from Oxfam.

"I was at the market when I got the message, but I didn't understand it. When I got home, I asked my children to read it, and I was very happy when they told me that we got some money."

Bishara Khlif Gedi

Bishara can now pay school fees and put food on the table. As a mother, she is determined to give her children a proper education, feed and clothe them.

"Without the cash benefit, I don't know how my family would have survived."

Bishara Khlif Gedi

Why cash benefits?

Cash grants are a way for Oxfam to support people who need urgent assistance in crises and disasters. It has proven to be cheap and effective, but most importantly, it gives people a sense of autonomy and the ability to decide what to do with their money. It creates value by allowing people to buy the essentials according to their own needs. For Bishara, it was food for her family.

Working with cash grants can be much more efficient than buying supplies as it does not require procurement, transportation and storage. It also leads to economic recovery in the local community as the money is spent locally.