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 5pm, my helper came and informed that the money had been sent.I felt so happy because that was the highest amount I have ever received. I knew I would be in a position to renovate my house to look decent. We really celebrated with my family members. It was one of the happiest evenings. We went and withdraw the money the following day and started planing on how to spend it. We are so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has enabled me to fulfilled my dream.
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 have saved some money ready to visit a doctor for eyes medical examination. This was my main concern since I had eyes problems. I had always wished to do this examination but I did not have the money. I was worried and I did not know where to get the money. When I was enrolled into the program I felt do happy. I knew I would be able to pay for medical assistant. Currently I have the money and I am waiting for doctor's appointment. I am so grateful because GiveDirectly has enabled me to get the best medication. This could have taken quite some time since I have no source of income. I know I will get the best services and feel well again.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 10,000 on renovating my house to look decent. This was one of my main focus since my house was not good. I am so grateful because this has been succefully done. I spent KES 10,000 on paying school fees for my grandchild who is in secondary school. She was able to study well without being disturbed like before. I spent KES 2,000 on purchasing a goat. I have saved the remaining money. I am planning to visit a doctor for eye medical examination. This had been my wish and I know it gonna be fulfilled. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We live in an area that normally experiences very low rainfall and more often than not we face water shortages. The distance to the nearest water point is approximately 3 kilometers where people go to fetch in 20-liter jerrican. At my age, I cannot go that distance let alone carry anything heavy. I have a granddaughter who goes to school on weekdays and I have to wait until weekend to assist me get some water. I have a desire to own a 5000-liter water tank to help me store water whenever it rains. I plan to spend KES 30000 to buy a plastic water tank and another KES 1500 to buy gutters to direct water to the tank. Receiving this money will relieve me the stress of going several kilometers in search of water.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Three weeks ago my daughter came to check on my well-being. She brought me foodstuff like milk, sugar, tea leaves and maize flour. I spent an entire day with her and that made me so happy because most of the time I am all alone.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In the year 2019, my eyes started getting itchy and I could rub them with my fingers in a bid to make the situation better. The condition got worse and I went to the local health centre where I was refer to an eye specialist in Longisa Hospital. Up until today I have not sought any medical attention from any specialist because I do not have money. The condition has graduated to partial blindness and if not checked it will eventually make me completely blind.
