Nakwawi is supporting her family
In Kenya, many older people face challenges, such as an unreliable income and limited access to health and social care. Every month, our local partners offer cash transfers to older people to help them pay for essentials, like food and medication. It can also be used to set up and grow a business, supporting not just the older person but also their loved ones.
“The cash transfer is helping me greatly to boost my chicken business by purchasing animal feed and medicine.”
Nakwawi is 67 years old and lives in Turkana County, Kenya, with her grandchildren. Although life can be challenging, Nakwawi is proud to be able to support her family.
Hard work and support
Nakwawi raises chickens to earn a living. Even though getting chicken feed isn’t always easy, she has managed to grow her small business. When she sells a chicken, she buys food for her family and feed for the chickens, pays her grandchildren’s school fees, and saves a little with the women’s group in the village she belongs to.
Sometimes, to save on transport costs, she gives a chicken to a neighbour who takes it to the market. In order to complement her income, she also sells sugar, cereals, and cooking oil. Business is not always easy, but Nakwawi takes pride in doing something that supports her family. As her result, her grandchildren can go to school and get an education. Nakwawi loves monitoring their progress.
Healthcare that brings peace of mind
Older people in Nakwawi’s community also benefit from free medical treatment thanks to a medical card they get given through our partner in Kenya, Echami A Ito. As Nakwawi puts it: "The medical cover comes in handy when I get sick.” She recently got a skin infection which was cleared very quickly thanks to the cream she was able to get free of charge from the hospital. Thanks to this support Nakwawi is able to stay healthy.
Connection and celebration
Nakwawi also had the chance to participate in community events like the International Day of Older Persons celebration. This is an event where older people participate in activities to stay connected and be with others. Nakwawi told us: “We had a delicious breakfast and participated in a team-building activity. I was overjoyed cheering on my team throughout the games that we played with other older people.”
“I want to thank Age International for their continued support. May God bless them.”
Around the world older people, like Nakwawi face many challenges. Thanks to the support of the Grandparents United community, life can be more stable, more comfortable and safer for older people and their families.