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 remember vividly I was in my house sleeping because of the sickness. I was unable to work as well as walk because of my deteriorating health conditions due to the backbone issue. I was waken up by a loud continuous message alert on my phone. It was unusual to receive a text message on my phone at that time, I interested to know what the message was all about. I did believe my eyes after seeing an Mpesa message of the transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt extremely happy for receiving my transfer since it was the only hope that I have been waiting for my wellness.
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 currently feeling well after obtaining proper medical care with the help of my transfer. Previously.I was suffering from a backbone problem which had stolen away my happiness in life. I did not have the financial muscles to go for further treatment at a level 5 hospital in Mombasa town. I thank God for the aid from GiveDirectly which came at a time when I needed it most.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For over 15 years, I have been suffering from a backbone problem, I had visited several hospitals but I did not receive the proper medication to my illness. I had been given a referral for further treatment at a level 5 hospital in Mombasa town but I lacked the finances for transport and payment for the medical bills. I was relying on my children for assistance but the lacked money too since they do not have reliable source of livelihood. After receiving my transfer, I spent KES 25,000 to seek proper treatment by undergoing several X-rays, screening and purchasing medicine. With part of the remaining amount I bought sufficient food while I was stay in the hospital . I am also planning to save the other part of the transfer to cater for any health emergency that might arise in the future.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improved health. I was diagnosed with kidney problems seven years ago. Ever since then, my life has been miserable characterized by frequent trips to the hospital to seek some medical attention. I have been to several hospitals without any hope of recovering from this prolonged illness. Immediately I receive the transfer from GiveDirectly, I will go and see a specialist who can cure the illness. Food has also been a challenge to my family. I'm planning to use the balance to buy one pair of ox-plough for the purpose of tilling a larger piece of land aiming at improved food productivity. I have relied on a small piece of land for long. I'll use my ox-plough to till 3 acres of land every season and this assures me 9 bags of maize every season, enough to sustain my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. Despite what am going through in life, I always use my evenings to rest because I feel relieved whenever their is ample silence.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is the prolonged kidney problem which has made me suffer for the seventh year now. My life has been miserable ever since I was diagnosed with kidney failure. I have been to several health centers with no hope of my situation getting better.
