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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending cash transfers to our mobile phones. In addition, it has no stranged attachment and one is not required to pay back the money something that has allowed us to make decisions on how to use our money. For sure, I don't see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been sick for quite some time now. I had been given a referral to a better hospital in Mombasa for further check-ups and treatment but I did not have enough money for the medication. After receiving my aid, I spent KES 1500 to purchase some medicine for reducing the pain that I have been suffering. Nowadays, I am feeling much better than before. I also used the remaining amount to purchase sufficient food since I am unable to work because of the persistent illness that has rendered one side of my body inactive. I am planning to use the next transfer to seek advanced medical care for myself.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the morning when I was outside my house with my grandchildren narrating stories while taking our breakfast. I heard my phone ringing, being illiterate, I gave it to my helper who verified it and informed me that I had finally received the transfer that I was eagerly awaited from GiveDirectly. I felt very happy since I will, at last fulfill the dream of repairing my house which was falling on one side that pause a risk to my life.
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 happy and optimistic that I will finally own a nice shelter once I completed the renovation. This will reduce the continuous cold-related illness that I am currently suffering as a result of the poor condition of my shelter.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to renovate my house which is collapsing on one side. I bought some of the required building poles to repair it. with the remaining amount, I bought enough foodstuffs for myself. I am also planning to spend the next transfer to complete the renovation as well as spending some to seek medical care for myself since my health has been deteriorating .
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As you can see I'm already too old and can not even support myself, which is why my son is taking care of me. When I receive my transfers I would like to repair my house first then I'll start looking for treatment. I have been paralyzed partially on the left side of my body for the past two years now. I think this condition can be reversed or better managed by medical doctors, but I haven't sought that in the past because it needs money. With the transfers I know I'll be able to do it.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Currently, my life is full of problems, and old age is also catching up with me extremely fast. I have very little to be happy about, but I must confess it feels really good to be with a family that can take care of you in this state. I already feel happy living with them.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I used to make money burning and selling charcoal, and also maintained food security through substance farming. But since I got paralyzed I'm not able to do any of that meaning I have to fully depend on my son who can't even provide for me effectively. I do not like this lifestyle because it's making me poorer every day.
