We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home relaxing when I heard a message notification from my phone. Since i'm illiterate I called my older son who's my helper to come and check it for me. He confirmed that I had received the transfers and I was so happy that I going to settle debts that almost got me arrested.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I have made peace with my neighbors whom I owed money and it got us into sort of conflict because of delayed payment. Am also happy that my wife's health has improved and this could not have been possible if it wasn't for the Givedirectly transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My wife has been sick for the last two years. The sickness drained us financially because she was in a very bad state that she was not able to walk. When someone you love so deeply is battling an illness,all you need to do is be present and show love in any way possible. Since I'm old and unproductive now, I was relying on my children to foot in the bills but because they don't have reliable jobs I had to borrow money to settle the hospital bill. After receiving the transfers,I spend KES 20,000 to pay debts, bought five goats at KES 24,000, and the balance to pay hospital bills. Am happy that my wife can now walk after being bedridden for two years.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am so glad we are having this discussion. Inside this house, you see here, lays my wife. She has had back problems for a little over a year now. As days go by, the pain gets worse. She cannot walk on her own. The bed she sleeps on does not have a mattress and whenever she turns, it is a struggle. I will use some of these transfers to buy a good bed and mattress so that she can be comfortable. That is like to cost KES 15,000. The great I will divide accordingly between school fees for my lastborn daughter, food, and repairing the house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Ever since I got married over thirty years ago, my life revolved around my wife. We shared a lot, she understood me as I did her. I can not tell whether her illness will be cured but seeing her on that sickbed drains all my energy, both physically and emotionally. I miss the days we would lead a normal life, her cooking, infectious laughter, discipline, and love. I have not had joy ever since she got sick.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Sad as it may sound, my wife's illness was an eye-opener. It made me realize that I do not have enough resources to take care of my family. I depend on charcoal burning for survival. At this age, I have nothing to my name. Even this land belongs to the entire family. Maybe if I had some livestock and money, my wife would be able to get good medical attention.
