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?
I would like to commend the good manners and good behaviors exhibited by the GiveDirectly staff. I would also urge the organization to invest in more staff so that they reach more people in a short period. This will ensure there are no complaints from the villagers being left out of the program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since October last year, when I accidentally broke my legs while grazing livestock, I have been in and out of the hospital seeking proper medical care. I fully depend on my only son, who is a” Matatu” tout after the demise of my other four children. Due to my condition (can’t walk), I interrupt his work schedule since he has to take some time off during the afternoon to come back home and take care of me (cock food and administer some medicines). This has heavily affected his income and often lacks money for my medication and for buying food. Therefore, when I received my transfer, I spent KES 2000 to pay hospital bills after some check-ups by the doctor. Besides spending the money on medication, I bought 8 packets of maize flour for food. Buying the food in bulk will ensure I have a continuous food supply in my house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
At the time I received the money my leg was already broken, so I was home doing nothing and dealing with excrutiating pain. The money arrived early in the morning and if I am being honest it was the best feeling ever because I had no money, it was couple of days past since I had got hurt and I was in so much pain one could not fathom. The funds could not have come at a better time if you ask me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For me the biggest difference would be that I got to receive medical attention because I am very old and cannot work as much , but my leg being broken made my health situation worse especially since I had to deal with the pain for about five days and relied on traditional means and herbs which barely did enough. I do not know for how long I would have had to endure the pain but I am glad I received the money.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
`Five days prior to receiving the transfers I had got into an accident where I accidentally fell in a ditch and unfortunately broke my leg and since I had no money I tried using traditional means to help take away the pain in the mean time. Thank God a couple of days later the money came in and I was quickly rushed to hospital to receive medical attention because I was in immense pain. The doctors did dome test and confirmed that my leg was broken where they went ahead and plastered my leg with a cast then offered medication that would take the pain away from when the pain got unbearable. I used all the money I had which was KES 1,200 but I was so grateful because I got help.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I recently fractured my ankle as I was running after my goat which had lost its way. I was basking under a tree when I saw my goat go into a neighbors' farm. I quickly stood up and run after it, forgetting that my grandson was nearby and could run after it. I fall into a hole and the injury was quite painful. Thankfully my grandson came in time and took me to the hospital. I am scheduled for a second visit in December. I intend to use the transfer to cater to transportation of which is 1000 KES to and fro. I will be saving the other transfers, using them when I have an emergency and need medical help.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am thankful I am alive. I am in my 70s and not everyone is blessed to live as long as I have. Every day is a happy day, nothing much happens but it is good to be alive.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
A month ago I fell into a hole and fractured my ankle. I was running after my goat which had lost its way. Luckily one of my grandsons was around and he rushed to my rescue. I was rushed to hospital in time and I received medical care. They had to tire a plaster cast around my leg and I am scheduled for another appointment in December.
I can no longer perform household chores, or walk as I used to. I now have to crawl when I want to move. I never imagined I could get such a fracture in my old age. I still remember the pain I felt to date.
