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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have always had the ambition to have my own livestock but since the finances have been tight it has always been challenging and that is whey when I received the money I immediately decided that I was going to buy a new goat. The purpose itself is for rearing the animals so that they would breed and eventually offer them to the market and earn some money. I bought the goat at KES 2,500 and I was left with a balance of KES 500. I am still yet to use the KES 500 and instead I put it in my savings account because I would love to buy another goat in the near future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has elevated me tremendously from the point I was because I was desperate and completely broke since I can work due to my health issues and I have no spouse or kids to depend on. Most part of my life has been difficult but I see that changing for the better. Through proper planning I will soon have my house, a bed and even livestock in my farm, something that I would have never imagined.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Prior to receiving this money I had been experiencing some issues health wise which had made it very difficult for me to even work. I began experiencing some problems with my eyes and abnormalities. It started by me tearing all the time and initially I thought it would go away but the situation worsened because I started having constant headaches and my eyes got swollen and puffy to a point my vision was impaired. After I received the money I left for the next town where my sibling stayed so that I would get medical attention. I used KES 100 as fare back and forth and then upon arrival, I saw the doctor and he did several tests and offered medication and I ended up spending KES 900 for all the treatment. I was left with KES 200 on me and decided to buy two packets of maize flour so that I would at least have food in my house since I lived by myself and depended on myself.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The major difference I have experienced as of now through this funds was the fact that I got medical attention and my health has really improved if I am being honest. Before this I thought I would completely lose my eye sight but I am grateful that I managed to get medical attention and my vision is still intact.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the money I was so overwhelmed with joy I wanted to cry if I am being honest, my health was deteriorating by the day and I had no money to even see a doctor. So when I saw the money I was ecstatic and I am so grateful because my health now compared to before is way better.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have had an eye condition for a long time. When I was doing well financially, I used to seek medical attention in Nairobi. Now that I don't go to clinics anymore, the problem is back and this time worse, I think due to old age as well. When things start looking up, I'll start going for a regular checkup.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I might be unwell but I'm still alive. This is a blessing that many don't get to experience but I do. I treasure my life.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
When I separated from my husband twenty years or so ago, I came back home and concentrated on raising my only child. Now that she's all grown and married, I feel empty and idle. At this point, starting a grocery business will keep me occupied and also make some money to run my day-to-day life. Money from Give Directly will enable me to start this business and keep growing it as the money rolls in.
