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?
It was exactly 7 am, I was at home relaxing after having taken my medicine since I have been sick, suffering from weak bones illness that had rendered me unable to walk. I was with my brother and his children at home when I received the message alert on my phone. My helper confirmed my account balance and informed me that I had received KES 55000 from Segovia technology. It was such a joyful moment in my life since I was very sure that I will be able to accomplish most of my heart's desires.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am currently sleeping on comfortable bedding. Before was sleeping on the floor with rags as beddings this brought a lot of challenges since I was always experiencing body pains. In addition, I am currently living in a decent house like other people in the society something that makes my life happy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For over 10 years after retirement from the job at a restaurant where I was a cook, I have not been able to construct a decent shelter for myself. This is because I used most of my retirement benefits to seek medical assistance. The arrival of GiveDirectly to our village reclaimed my hope for a better shelter. I spent KES 30,000 to construct a decent shelter for myself. Previously, I was living in a small house that belong to my brother. It also serves as the main kitchen and food store at the same time. Moreover, I spent KES 9400 to purchase proper beddings for myself since I was sleeping on the floor using rags as bedding which were not comfortable. With the remaining amount, I used it to purchase enough food and seek medical care since I am suffering from bones issues that rendered me unable to walk.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this cash will help me in renovation of my house.The current house, which is approximately 2m by 3m leaks. It has its iron sheets rusted and the nails are loose which them rattle during the night to an extent of making it hard to sleep. The renovation of the roof will cost about KES 20 000. Moreover, my age, 92years, is prone to illnesses.As a result I will direct the rest of my cash for my medication and healthy foods so as to boost my immunity.
What is the happiest part of your day?
About five months ago, I was visited by my two daughters. This was after about one year since I last met them. The visit brought happiness to my mostly boring life.The cash which they gave me ( KES 1000) added another reason to why I have always remembered that day. I used the cash to buy food that lasted for some weeks.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I separated with my wife about ten years ago.My three children, all girls, were married and I have not been able to rely on them. At the age of 92years I have been living a hopeless life.Being a traditional herbalist, I oftenly get approximately KES 200 about thrice a week. This cash cannot cater for food and other necessities. Recently, I developed athritis which has made me neither stand nor walk.
