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?
I was still sleeping in the morning when my sister who doubles as my helper came and informed me that GiveDirectly had sent the promised money. I became so happy as I knew that I would finally continue with my medication and also help in footing for our bills. I whispered a word of prayer to thank God for coming to my rescue at the time of need.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I could not walk even with the help of crutches when GiveDirectly came for enrollment and I was being carried around like a small baby. I had been involved in an accident and I had not been able to continue with medication due to a lack of funds. When they gave me a word of hope, I became excited that I would finally be able to continue with my treatments. With the transfer, I have been able to receive the required medication and I am happy that I am recuperating well and I can now walk around for a few minutes with the help of the crutches.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used to work on people's farms and use the money that I would be paid to cater to our daily needs and to pay school fees for my three children. I was involved in a motorcycle accident before GiveDirectly came for enrollment and since then, I have been depending on my siblings and my married daughter. When I received my first transfer, I spent KES 30000 to pay the outstanding medical bill and to continue with my medication. I used the remaining KES 24000 on food and clothes after spending KES 2000 to pay school fees for my children in primary school.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to walk again soon because for the last 6 months I have been nursing a serious injury from a motorcycle accident that affected my left limb. I was taken to hospital and they only fixed my leg partly this is because the amount of money which is needed to rectify the bones is too much. I cannot afford to pay KES. 200,000 even if I sell all my belongings. The initial amount of partly fixing the injury has already cost me KES. 100,000 which we got by organizing a funds drive in the village. With GiveDirectly transfers I shall be able to pay a deposit and I hope the hospital will accept to book me in for a surgery as we look with my relatives how to fundraise for the other half.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was so happy about my fellow villagers because when I called out to them to help me raise funds for my hospital bill, they gave me all they had despite the challenges they also have financially. It was an act of kindness I was so happy about.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I cannot walk at the moment and I usually depend on doing a small business of buying and selling vegetables in the local market. My sister was kind enough to come and take care of me after I got this injury but my income has really been affected. I don't get enough food and it worries me a lot because of my ill health that needs good nutrition.
