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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue using this support to manage my health issues. The funds will help me purchase necessary medications and cover the doctor's visits. I also plan to allocate part of the transfers for food, as having a stable supply is essential for my recovery. To manage my expenses effectively, I will divide the money to cover each of these needs. I truly appreciate the financial help that is allowing me to care for myself.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am an elderly man who relies heavily on my son, a casual laborer working as a porter in Mombasa. Aging brings many challenges, and my health has significantly declined over the past year. This deterioration has made it difficult for me to work and be self-sufficient. The financial support from Give Directly has been crucial in covering my medical expenses, which are my top priority right now. I spent $43 on medication and to pay the doctor who visits me each month for check-ups and treatment. I am relieved to see some slight improvements in my health, and I remain hopeful that this progress will continue. With the remaining $59, I bought two sacks of maize, ensuring that my family and I have enough food to eat. I am very grateful for this financial assistance, which has enabled me to focus on my health during this challenging time.
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 4 months ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, I dream of venturing into livestock farming to secure a prosperous future. However, my immediate focus is on my health, as I've been battling illness for some time. I plan to seek the best medical care to regain my strength and vitality. Once I'm fit and healthy, I will channel my energy and passion into livestock farming. I wish to start goat farming because goats are cheaper to acquire and maintain.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am very old and sick, and due to my condition, I have become dependent on my two sons, who do casual jobs at construction sites. With the recent three transfers amounting to $102, I used the money to renovate my small mud wall house. One of the side walls had collapsed, so I bought building poles and rafters. I also hired a contractor to do the renovation, which cost me $48 inclusive of the materials. I am now happy that my house is standing tall with all four walls intact.
After the renovation, I used $39 to buy foodstuffs to help my struggling sons provide for the family. With the remaining $15, I used it for my medication. Old age has brought some complications that require monthly check-ups, and this small amount helps me manage my health. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for the support from GiveDirectly.
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have no other goals apart from seeking medical attention to treat my hypertension. I require constant medical checkups, and I am grateful that covering the cost of my medication has been made easy thanks to the monthly transfers. My primary objective is to ensure that I receive the necessary treatment while still in the program in order to regain my health.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am grateful for the monthly transfers that have been a lifeline for me and my household. They have ensured that there is always food available for us. However, I have been struggling with old age complications and hypertension for several years now. These conditions have taken a toll on me, and since I don't have any other support, the monthly transfers have been a huge help. I can now afford the treatment that I need, and sometimes the doctors even visit me at home. The transfers have also enabled me to buy a balanced and nutritious diet, which is essential for my health. Additionally, I used some of the money to purchase a goat for $30. I now own three goats, and I plan to let them multiply and grow to a herd, which will be valuable assets for me even after the program ends. I am optimistic that I will still be able to rely on these assets to meet my financial needs. I also purchased a mattress for $22 and replaced the old bedding that I have been using. I am now enjoying a good sleep on my mattress unlike when I was using the old bedding which mainly mats that were old and worn out.
13th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I find myself in a situation where I require frequent medication due to health issues that have surfaced in my old age. My primary concern has been the financial aspect of affording this necessary treatment. Additionally, maintaining my strength and overall well-being is essential, and I achieve this by following a balanced diet. The support I've received, particularly the transfer, has played a pivotal role in ensuring my elderly years are marked by good health and well-being. My main focus now revolves around monitoring my health regularly and enjoying a balanced diet that includes nutritious foods, all of which contribute to my strength and vitality. My ultimate goal is to sustain my health and well-being, and I am grateful for the assistance that has made this possible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I cannot express my gratitude enough to GiveDirectly for the life-changing support they've provided. As an elderly individual struggling with health issues, particularly hypertension, I found myself in a challenging situation. The financial burden of my medication and maintaining a balanced diet was overwhelming, and I had no idea how I would manage it on my own. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I've received timely financial assistance that has made a world of difference in my life. This support has enabled me to afford the necessary medical treatment, ensuring I receive the care I need. The improvements in my health have been remarkable, and I credit this progress to the generous transfers I've received. Furthermore, with the guidance of my doctor, I can now comfortably purchase nutritious foods, allowing me to maintain a well-balanced diet. This has had a significant positive impact on my overall health, and I'm delighted to report that I'm growing stronger with each passing day. Unlike before, when I struggled to afford three meals a day, I can now fulfill this basic need without hardship. I am deeply grateful for GiveDirectly's assistance, as it has made all these positive changes in my life possible, and I no longer have to face these challenges with such difficulty.
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My objective currently is to acquire upgraded bedding essentials, notably a new wooden bed and a comfortable mattress. This endeavor is driven by my desire to establish a cozy and conducive sleeping environment. As an elderly individual, I recognize the potential health benefits associated with having a quality bed and mattress, which would undoubtedly contribute to improved sleep quality. For a considerable duration, I have endured nights spent on worn-out mats and a traditional bed that fails to provide the desired comfort. The goal is to transition from my current sleeping arrangement to a more satisfying and restful one. In addition to this immediate goal, I intend to purchase livestock, specifically goats, in the coming years. My goal is to have some living assets that I can sell to make some money now that I am too old to work.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My foremost necessity revolved around securing a respectable dwelling. Rainfall would consistently expose the vulnerabilities of my home, leading to leaks and even causing a wall to collapse. Given my financial constraints, procuring the necessary construction materials seemed like an unattainable task. Upon receiving the latest transfers, my immediate focus was on acquiring the essential building poles vital for the wall's renovation. A substantial portion of my funds was allocated to this purpose, resulting in a satisfying accomplishment: I successfully completed the renovation project. The newfound stability of my home has ushered in a sense of tranquillity, as the constant worry of rain-related damage has finally been alleviated. Moreover, the visual improvement of the house has elevated its overall appearance and decency. In addition to home renovation, I also spent $15 toward settling my debts that had accumulated. These debts had accrued due to obtaining food on credit and I am glad I was able to clear them using the money. I not only achieved freedom from the burden of debt, but my family also gained consistent access to nourishing meals. This shift marked a significant improvement from previous times when we endured periods of food scarcity.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I currently want to invest in raising livestock, mainly goats. I decided on goats since they can handle the hard climate in our area, they are less expensive to buy than cows, and there is a ready market for them when it comes time to sell. Due to the famine situation, it is challenging to accomplish this all at once, so I came up with a plan to buy at least three hens with each transfer to trade them for goats.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have wanted to invest so that I could have a safety net in case of disaster. The protracted drought in our region has made it difficult for this zeal to manifest. After considering several options, I decided to start modestly while aiming for the huge investment of my preferred goat farming. I utilized $24 of the most recent transfer to purchase three hens and two cocks because I already have two goats. Since that chickens have a rapid reproductive cycle, I am optimistic that I will soon have a large number of chicks. I plan to trade the chickens for goats after the flock has increased. According to our local math, six chickens are equal to one goat. I shall therefore be better able to trade my chickens for goats when they procreate. The remaining $10 I used to purchase food for my maintenance.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am very pleased with the organization's efforts to aid the vulnerable members of society. After we lost our sole source of income from working on our farms due to the drought, we have experienced great suffering and hardship. I'm grateful that the unconditional transfers enabled me to provide food for my family. However, I urge the organization to keep enrolling new members, particularly from the villages affected by the drought, and to support them financially.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My daughter-in-law, my six grandchildren, and I share a home. I'm too old to work, so I rely heavily on my sons doing odd bit jobs around town. For the past two years, my health has gotten worse as a result of not having enough money to pay for the right treatment. Three years ago, when the drought first began, my only source of income from working on the farm was impacted. We frequently go to bed hungry because we can't raise the money to buy food. So, when I got my second transfer, I used it entirely to buy food for the family. My grand children's health suffered because there wasn't enough food available, as the majority of them showed signs of malnutrition. I'm relieved that we have an abundance of food that will last us for more than two weeks. This encourages my grandchildren to attend school and enjoy their education.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was writhing in agony on my bed, my stomach grumbling with hunger. Along with being bloated, my legs were in excruciating pain. My phone vibrated to let me know I had a message as I was resting in bed. I called my daughter in law to come and read the message. She gave me the happy news that I had gotten my first transfer. Wow! I began to cry as my emotions overcame me. I instantly requested that my daughter-in-law goes withdraw the cash and purchase supper for us.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer improved my life by enabling me to purchase food. I was experiencing so many problems and I had reached to a dead end. I lacked the funds to pay for meals or to see a doctor for my swelling legs. My sons, who were my only hope, were experiencing financial hardship. I am appreciative of the organization for the unconditional transfer, which enabled me to purchase food and keep me from starving to death.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my first transfer, I was overcome with delight. I am elderly and completely dependent on my sons' income from their jobs in Mombasa town. More harm than good has resulted from the village's drought, which has forced us to pay exorbitant prices for food at the store. I go to bed hungry when my sons fail to send me money. My health is getting worse, making it harder for me to find myself. I finished up all of the food stock in the house two days before getting my transfer. I felt weak and worn out from hunger. At last, just as I was about to give up, I got my transfer. At last, just as I was about to give up, I got my transfer. I'm thankful that I bought enough food in larger quantities to last me a week while I wait for my sons to bring me money.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I'm an old man and do not have any direct dependant. I can't lie to you that I want to start some investment right at this age. I feel I just want to adjust my lifestyle a little bit by buying some good clothing, repairing my house and also to ensure that I get food regularly when I get this money. I have been depending on my children to take care of me but this has not been effective as I always go without food for quite too long and also no one remembers to buy me clothes.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness has been the fact that I have people who takes care of me. They ensure that I'm fed, I get new clothes, medication and anything else I would need. There's no happiness bigger than this for am old man like me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest challenge right now is inadequacy of food supply. As you can see, I'm not able to be so productive at this age which makes me depend on children to survive. But they also have families and other commitments so practically they can not help me so effectively.