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 after completing my household activities. It was around 5 pm when I had just taken my medicine and I was resting. For over 15 years, I have been sick suffering from high blood pressure and mental illness. I have been undergoing treatment for the same for all those years but I have not been able to fully recover. I was with my son who checked my phone when I received the message alerts and informed me that I had received the transfer. I felt very happy for receiving my transfer which would be of great assistance to the family as well as my health condition.
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 was able to construct a rental shop that would be my reliable source of income once I complete the construction. The income from rent will support my basic needs such as food as well as cater for medical care. Previously, I did not have any source of livelihood and fully depended on my children for all essential needs. I am very grateful for the transfer that has impacted my life positively.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35,000 of the most recent transfer to purchase 2 lorries of building stones. In addition, I spent KES 4000 on labor costs. I intended to construct a rental shop that would be a reliable source of income for my family. Once complete I will rent it out for KES 3000 per month. The income from this investment will assist me in getting medical care as well as support our basic needs like food. Furthermore, I spent KES 5000 to seek medical care because I require to visit the hospital every month for check-ups. With the remaining, I bought enough food for the family since I am jobless and unable to work due to high blood pressure coupled with mental illness.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been mentally ill and also have high blood pressure for 15 years now. This has affected my health and well being to an extent that I am unable to attend my normal chores at home. Being a widow with a burden of responsibilities of taking care of my children and grandchildren has never been easy. Receiving this money will be a great solution to my problems especially on medication care as I have a monthly clinic which costs KES 2500. So most of the money from the transfer will be spent on medication. I will also spend KES 10000 to pay school fees for my two grandchildren who are in primary school. The rest of the money will be spent on buying food for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I always have a peace of mind when my family and I are in good health. I Also feel great seeing my two grandchildren attending school without being sent home for school fees.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am currently mentally unwell which sometimes the condition worsens especially when I am not able to raise funds for the medication. Lack of food has also been a challenge to me since I am a widow and with no reliable source of income my family cannot afford three meals a day.
