GDLive Newsfeed
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.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Jumwa's Profile
Jumwa's family
Jumwa
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Small business
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
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Follow to be updated on Jumwa's next check-in.
 
26th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal for the coming year and beyond is to seek more specialized medical treatment. I plan to save additional funds from my subsequent transfers to cover this treatment. This will help doctors diagnose the root cause of my condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. I have felt much better in recent months thanks to the medications purchased with the support of the transfers. I am very appreciative of the financial help, which has been crucial in getting me the right treatment and improving my health.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Over the past five years, my health has been seriously deteriorating. Given my old age, I can no longer work and depend heavily on my son, who raises livestock to earn a living. However, his earnings are very limited and often insufficient to cover my medication expenses. Thanks to the cash transfers, I am able to visit the doctor monthly for check-ups and buy medicines. I spent $42 on medicines, which has led to a slight improvement in my health. I am optimistic it will continue to improve with access to the necessary medications. I used the remaining $60 to purchase food, including 12 packets of maize flour, 2 kg of sugar, cooking oil, leafy vegetables, and fruits. This ensured I had enough to eat and supported my recovery. I am very grateful for the transfers, which have been crucial in my recovery journey.
 
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As my supply of medication dwindles, my foremost priority upon receiving my next transfers is to replenish my stock of drugs. Additionally, I aim to schedule an appointment with a doctor for a comprehensive check-up. My ultimate goal is to prioritize my health and work towards improvement and overall well-being. I am profoundly grateful for the financial assistance that has facilitated access to quality medical care. Without this support, I am uncertain if I would still be able to cope with my health challenges.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since childhood, I've grappled with heart problems, managing them without major complications until recent years when the condition intensified, causing severe pain and frequent fainting spells followed by intense chest pains. Compounding my health issues, I also battle stomach ulcers, which exacerbate my overall well-being. Despite my son's efforts as a subsistence farmer to seek medical assistance, our impoverished state prevented us from affording the necessary treatment. Enrollment in the Give Directly cash program proved to be a significant relief for my son, who struggled to provide for his family and me. Presently, I allocate my funds toward purchasing medicinal drugs to alleviate the severity of both my heart and stomach ulcer ailments. The $102 received from the program went towards acquiring medication and some food to bolster my strength. I am deeply grateful for the financial transfers, which have been instrumental in addressing my health challenges. Previously, my son faced difficulty in affording all the prescribed medication from the doctor. Thanks to the transfers, I can now procure the necessary drugs, marking a substantial improvement in managing my health conditions.
 
17th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
The monthly transfers have played a crucial role in maintaining my stable health. I primarily allocate the funds for medication and ensuring I maintain a balanced diet. As an elderly individual, these transfers are my sole source of hope, as I have no other income to rely on. I'm pleased that these transfers enable me to receive timely and quality treatment, particularly for my heart problems. My main goal revolves around improving my health, as relying solely on my son's support, who is engaged in subsistence farming, would have caused delays in my treatment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I'm truly grateful for and appreciate the program because it has significantly improved my quality of life. As an elderly individual, I spend most of my time at home and can no longer engage in productive activities to earn money. This situation posed a significant challenge, especially in managing my health. However, thanks to the transfers, I can now confidently say that I'm living a healthier life. The support has made it easier for me to access the necessary medical care, and I can consistently attend my treatments as advised by the doctor, which has positively impacted my health. Additionally, I've been able to afford a balanced diet to regain my strength, as recommended. All of these essential needs have become attainable because of the program's support. Furthermore, with approximately $15 spent each month on purchasing foodstuffs, I can now enjoy three meals a day. This financial assistance has made it possible for me to meet my dietary requirements, and I no longer have to rely on family members for provisions, alleviating a significant challenge. The program has truly been a blessing to me.
 
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In my advanced years, I lack a reliable support system to attend to my medical needs. My physical frailty necessitates frequent visits to seek medical care, a challenge compounded by my financial limitations. I find solace in the fact that the financial transfers I've received have not only covered my medical expenses but have also enabled me to follow my physician's advice of maintaining a balanced diet to regain strength. In light of this, my current aspirations revolve around meeting my ongoing medical requirements and ensuring a daily intake of a well-balanced diet—achievements made possible through these transfers.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In my advanced years, I have been grappling with various ailments that often accompany old age. Recently, I was diagnosed with stomach ulcers, necessitating regular medical treatment and adherence to specific dietary restrictions. Achieving this level of care is contingent on adequate financial support. Moreover, my doctor advised me to maintain a balanced diet despite my age, recognizing that proper nutrition is essential for bolstering my weakened body and gaining strength. At present, my sole reliance rests on the financial transfers I receive. These transfers enable me to procure both sustenance and medication, while also covering the expenses associated with travelling to the hospital. I extend my gratitude to GiveDirectly, as their assistance has eliminated the struggle of providing meals and accessing medical treatment. With each transfer, I can confidently settle my medical bills and tend to the needs of my household.
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In my old age, I cannot actively contribute to the household needs due to my inability to do any work. Owning livestock is the only source of income I can handle right now. So far, I have obtained two goats and three chickens from previous cash transfers, which I will increase in the coming years. As these animals reproduce, I will sell them to make money and help my son in providing for the family of five. Though my monthly medication costs may hinder me from realizing this dream quickly, I trust that I will be able to save towards achieving it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Every month I spend the money on my medication and food. I have battled sickness for a long time, which used to cost my son a lot of money to treat because I could barely survive without medication. Working as a school security guard, sometimes the income he made would hardly meet the household’s basic needs as well as supply me pills for the whole month. From time to time, my condition would deteriorate, and I even thought I would never survive. I was happy when I started receiving the cash transfers as it meant I could afford to pay for my drugs without having to depend on my son. Recently, I spent $27 on obtaining a whole month’s supply. Am glad that my health condition is more stable now than it used to be before, the pain is no longer severe. Also, due to the illness, am required to take less acidic foods, unlike the normal food. This is how I spent the remaining part of the transfer. 
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have been ailing from a chronic condition for the past ten years. It is a condition that has drained me financially, and my only son has been a pillar in my life. Therefore, since I began receiving my transfers, they have been in handy in terms of helping me to meet my medical costs. As the year progresses, my primary goal is to continue to use my transfer to buy food and drugs. I hope with constant medication and food availability, I will be able to register an improvement in my health condition. That has been my prayer, and since I began receiving my transfer, I have been very grateful to GiveDirectly for its financial aid.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Over the past three years, my health has gotten worse. I have severe heart and stomach ulcer problems. I am strictly adhering to the doctors' advice and cannot perform mentally and physically demanding tasks like gathering firewood, fetching water, or working on a farm for pay. For financial support, I am totally dependent on my son, a watchman. I shelled out $20 for hospital medical expenses after receiving my transfer. I was taken to the hospital right away after my condition got worse, and there I spent two days under the doctor's close observation. After being discharged from the hospital, I went out and bought food to help me build my immune system, including fresh fruits and vegetables. I'm happy to say that eating well has improved my health.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is doing well in sending us direct cash transfers to our phones every month. This has greatly impacted our living standards positively. I no longer struggle to meet my basic needs like food something I am very thankful for.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 1000 to seek medical care for myself. I have been suffering from a severe ulcers problem that requires me to be under constant medical check up . Receiving the transfer was a great help for me. In addition, I spent KES 1000 to purchase to different foodstuffs as advised by the doctor like milk, and soya beans. Lastly, With the remaining amount, I am planning to also spend it to seek proper medical care for myself.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 am, I was in my house resting after taking my morning medicine. I was alone and my phone was with my helper. He came to my house and informed me that I had received my transfer. I was extremely happy for receiving my transfer which was to change my life for the better. I was certain that I will be able to acquire the recommended foodstuffs as per the doctor's advice.
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 am happy that I can comfortably get the food that I was recommended by the doctor. Previously, I lack the finances to buy them. I am very thankful that I am no longer experiencing severe stomach pain unlike before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent all my transfers to acquire sufficient food for myself, this is because I have been sick with severe ulcers. I was advised by the doctor to avoid some food items. I decided to spend the transfer to purchase the required food as recommended by the doctor. Earlier I lacked the financial capacity to obtain them. I am planning to spend the next transfer to purchase more chicken so that I may boost my small-scale poultry farming a reliable source of income for myself. In addition, I intend to use some amount to seek medical assistance.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
At my age, I cannot work nor can I do a business. This forced my son to resume all the responsibilities of taking care of me. Sometimes I see him struggle to support my needs and this sadness my heart since he also has his family to take care of. My wish has always been to keep livestock that can be sold whenever there is a financial need in the family. Receiving this transfer will make the wish come true because I will use my money to start buying goats every month that can act as support whenever there is a financial crisis in the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Amidst all the challenges and constant illnesses I am happy that I am still alive, I can walk and talk with my children and grandchildren.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge I currently face is lack of money to buy food. My son works hard to support me but most of the time he gets overwhelmed which leaves me with no choice but to survive on one meal per day. Sometimes I get hungry which mostly occurs when I take one meal per day and this gives me a desire for food unfortunately insufficient cash leaves me no choice but to endure the hunger.