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?
Being old, jobless, and sick I was in my house sitting and resting after taking my medicine. It was around 4 pm when I received the mpesa message on my phone. My helper has gone to church for the mid-week service so I had to wait for her to come back to verify the message on my phone. I was very happy when she disclose the good news that I had received the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that currently, I am feeling better after seeking proper medical care. This has restored the happiness that I had lost for more than a year. I am very grateful for the transfer. In addition, seeing my grandchild going to school without being interrupted has make my life more comfortable.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my transfer to construct a decent house for myself. This is because the house that I was living in was old and about to collapse. Furthermore, I spent KES 8000 to support the education of my grandson who was left under my care after his father died more than 10 years ago. I cleared all the fee arrears because he was in his last year of primary education. In addition, I used KES 10,000 to seek medical care since I am suffering from a blood infection. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food stock for myself since there is famine in our area.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I would wish to take my granddaughter to secondary school. she is completing her standard eighth this year, Her father died 5 years ago and her mother remarried leaving behind my granddaughter with me. since then I have been providing for her needs until now that I'm old and cannot even walk.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The presence of my granddaughter in my life gives me hope of living. She always accompanies and takes care of me while at home. This is my joy because at my age most of the elderly are abandoned.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
With old age, I can only support my granddaughter using the money I get from Inua Jamii Cash transfer, a programme that supports the elderly and vulnerable. I have since accumulated fee areas amounting to 5000 KES. Getting a certificate means clearing all the fee balance in school. This is a hindrance to getting her certificates now that she is in her last year in primary school.
