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 around 7am when I heard message notification in my phone. Being old and illiterate I called my helper who confirmed to me that I have received my transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy after realizing I was among the people who had received the transfer because I will finally get proper medication.
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 now feeling well after seeking proper medication using with the transfer. For all those years I did not have enough money to seek the appropriate medication whenever I get the high blood pressure attack. My life have now changed because I am feeling well and I am grateful for everything.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $300 of my transfer to improve the condition of my house by constructing an additional room since the one I had earlier was small and I had to seek refuge whenever I received visitors. In addition, I spend $150 to seek medical care. I was suffering from high blood pressure a condition that has been taken away the happiness of my life. The remaining amount assisted me to acquire enough food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have desired to sleep in a good bed with a high-density mattress but due to my humble background, my desire has never materialized. When I receive the money I will use 30,000 Kenya shillings to buy a bed and mattress to fulfill my wish. I will also use 30,000 Kenya shilling to increase my one-roomed house into a two-roomed house so that it can be spacious enough to accommodate visitors. The remaining amount will be used for basic needs such as food and clothing.
What is the happiest part of your day?
As a farmer, I spend much of my day time in the farm. Besides getting tired, I lose a lot of energy working in the sun. Evening is the time I return home after a busy day and meet with my relatives as we share our meals thus, evening is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I depend on farming for my daily meal as well as an income. Farming is highly dictated by climatic conditions and given that we receive low rainfall, I am forced to do another casual job to get income. The income I get per month is 4,000 Kenya shillings which is not enough to cater for my needs.Low income is the biggest hardship in my life.
