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 congratulate Give Directly for the magnificent gesture of helping the needy people in society by giving them unconditional transfers. I would recommend an increment of the monthly stipend so that we can cope well with the sharp rise in essential items such as food.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The only breadwinner in the family who is my son got involved in an accident after slipping from a cliff after a heavy downpour. This left him with a fractured leg and arm, making him unable to work. In the last two weeks, my family has survived one meal per day, bought on credit from a nearby shop. I am weak and unable to work due to old age. Therefore, when I received my transfer of KES 3000, I spent KES 1000 on my son to get proper medical attention after he experienced an increase in pain from his fractured leg. I then spent KES 1000 to buy food (6 packets of maize flour, 2 kg of beans, 1kg of sugar, and a packet of tea leaves) for my family since we had nothing left after my son the breadwinner worked as a motorcycle rider “boda boda” got bedridden after the accident. Finally, I saved the remaining KES 1000 to buy some chicken next month after receiving my third transfer so that I can start a business in poultry farming and earn a living from it.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at home relaxing after coming from my farm where I had gone to prepare it ready for the next planting season that we anticipate once the onset of short rains starts. My phone was with my helper since I am short-sighted, he came to my home to inform me that I had received my transfer. I was very happy for receiving my transfer that was to transform my life for the better, especially my kid's health conditions.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am anticipating that my life will be transformed greatly once I obtained my next transfer. I will be able to boost my livestock rearing. In addition, seeing my child getting better each day makes me happy and gives me hope he will finally be okay. Lastly, I am happy that I am no longer going to bed without food something that has improved our nutrition.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The transfer was of great help to me. After receiving it, my priority was to help my son who is mentally challenged. He had an accident 3 months ago that left him with a severe hand fracture, I spent KES 500 to take him for a medical check-up. I also used the remaining amount to purchase sufficient food for the family since I did not have food. This is because I have been depending on crop farming which has been greatly affected by the current drought condition that has persisted for over 2 years now. I am planning to spend my next two transfers to boost my goat rearing and start small-scale poultry farming. Previously, I was forced to sell most of the goats to seek medical care for my child who was involved in the accident.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means restarting my livestock (goats) project which has been my long-time source of income. This project failed because I was forced to sell all my 5 goats to take care of my son who got an accident during the December holidays. With this cash grant, I intend to spend my monthly transfers to buy some goats that will act as my long-term investment plan, which will help me to cater to my basic needs in the future. The other transfers will aid in meeting my immediate basic needs like food, clothing, and nice shelter.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month, my grandson visited me at home and he brought me 1 bale of maize flour that sustained me for 3 weeks. This was a big boost to me because, in the whole month, my mind was in peace since I could get my daily meals. Hence, I consider this as my source of joy in the last 6 months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My son had an accident that caused a dislocation in his hand and this forced me to sell my 5 goats to pay his hospital bills. This has rendered me desperate because I do not have anything to depend on for future use. Hence, the worry of lacking a reliable source of income is the main challenge that I am currently facing.
