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?
GiveDirectly does well by helping the needy in the society. Since I have no job, it is difficult for me to get money to sort out my needs. The money I get is useful in helping me take care of my needs and also uplift my life from the jaws of poverty.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KSH 1000 to pay my hospital bill. Few days before receiving the transfer, I got ill and had to be admitted to the hospital. I have stomach ulcers and the situation does worse when I do not have enough money to buy medicine. In the hospital, I checked up and given some medical attention to ease the pain I was feeling. When I was released from the hospital, I went back home and spent the remaining KSH 2000 to buy a goat. The money was not enough to purchase it all and I owe the owner KSH 1000, which I plan on the making the payment once I receive my next transfer. The motivation behind buying the goat is to own my livestock. Once the livestock has increased in numbers, I will sell some and earn money that I can use to attend to my needs.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the money at around10 am. I was just from fetching water. As I was resting I received the text message. I confirmed that I had received the money. I was very happy and without wasting I went ahead and withdrew the money and bought food for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The money has made big difference in my life and that of my family. I am was able to buy food for my family. The situation of sleeping and spending the whole day on empty stomach without having anything to eat is not a good one at all. I feel bad when I cannot find something for my children to eat.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I depend heavily on farming as a source of income. In the past years, the climatic conditions have worsened. The farms are no longer productive and there is no rain at all. This has made life more difficult for me and my family. Finding food is becoming very difficult. When I received the money I decided to spend the whole KSH 3000 in buying food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My children are all grown and living with their spouses. I have no one living with me or depending on me for anything.
I take this money as an opportunity to take care of myself, therefore, I will buy good food and get medical attention whenever I need to. Putting myself first has been a long time coming.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Seeing all my children around me gives me so much joy. I am blessed enough to have all of them alive, with families and at least getting by in one way or another.
I do not take this for granted.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My very old age comes with it's fair share of health complications. I feel sickly half the time I'm awake and that makes me very unproductive. Seeking medical attention looks like a viable dream now and I'm grateful for that.
