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 8pm while cooking supper when I heard an SMS alert on my phone. I gave it to my helper, who confirmed I had received KES55000 from GiveDirectly and I was very happy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving this transfers is diagnosis of my swollen stomach in a referral hospital with modern equipments.Initially we had sold cows and used grants for the elderly while trying to find out the right diagnosis but to no avail.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent all of my transfer on diagnosis of a swollen stomach which started as a small swelling but has grown bigger over the last four years. It has affected my breathing system hence cannot walk for a long distance and also led to loss of appetite.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am old, sickly, and economically inactive. I depend on my children for food. So when I get this money I plan to seek treatment for my ailment. For five years now I have been in and out of the hospital without proper diagnosis. This money will enable me to get further diagnostic treatment. I will also buy a dairy cow. This will give me milk for my household use and if in surplus sell to generate income so that I do not become too much dependant on my children. This cow will cost around KES 30000. For the remaining amount, I will buy certificate seeds and plant to increase food security.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite my health problem what brings joy and happiness into my life is the support I get from my children. They have never complained despite the ravaging drought.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge is health problems. I have been sick for more than five years. This health problem has rendered me economically inactive and dependant on my children. Our area is prone to drought and they are too struggling to sustain their household needs including mine.
