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?
Before my husband got into the accident we solely depended on him and after the accident I had to take on his duties, therefore were it not for the funds I receive this would have been impossible because I have no idea how I would ensure the family was taken care yet I have no job. I am honestly very thankful for this help and the fact that my family's needs did not have to be on standstill after the ordeal.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After I received the money my first priority was to cater for tuition fee for two of my children who were still in school because they were kicked out of school two days prior before receiving the money. I went ahead and paid KES 1,500 to the one in highschool and then paid KES 1,000 to the last one in primary school. The next day they were on their way back to school and I could not have been any happier. I was left with about with KES 500 where I used KES 200 and bought two hens since I wanted to begin poultry farming and then took the remaining KES 300 and bought two packets of maize flour so that we would have a meal in the house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9am when my phone was charging, and that is the time GiveDirectly transfers were sent to us. I did not realize since my phone was off. At around 11am when I switched it on I received a message. I called my daughter to check what kind of message it was and happily she informed me that I had received the first transfer since 9am. I was happy knowing that I have got a starting point in seeking medication.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
If it were not for this transfer, It would have delayed me in seeking medication. This transfer made a great difference in my life because it enabled me to be attended to by the doctors and I am now getting better. Initially I was just wishing how I could be able to get some treatment but due to poverty I couldn’t get treatment in good time but better half than none at all. Thank you so much GiveDirectly for treating me. I appreciate the support you gave me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before receiving the transfer I had had an accident of falling down with a bucket of water on my head, thus got injuries. Lucky enough, in that very week I received the promised transfer of KES 1200.00 from GiveDirectly. I used KES 700.00 for medication where an x-ray was done and I was given some medicine. For the remaining KES 600.00, I used it for transport to and from the hospital.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I plan to start a small scale business of selling vegetables, where I live no one sells vegetables and we have to go to the neighboring village to buy them. I feel for the elderly people since they cannot access the market easily, the roads are dusty and hilly. Starting this business in my compound will shorten the distance they have to make daily.
I will be sending one of my children to Kaloleni twice a week to purchase the vegetables since I can not make the trips myself due to some health complications. This arrangement will ensure that my products will always be fresh and of different varieties.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The constant chest pains I have make it hard to be happy but when I get some relief after taking some pain killers it gives me peace ad joy. Only then is when I remember what a gift it is to be healthy and with mo pain.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Ten years ago while I was out fetching water 30 kilometers away, on my way back home my the jerry can I was carrying on my head fell and hit my right shoulder. For a moment I lost consciousness but I got back up and made my trip back home. I did not pay much attention to the injury till this year when the pain came back again. I keep having chest pains and it is hard to move my right shoulder.
Recently, I sought medical assistance but I have to go back for a second visit for them to take a scan and make diagnosis.
I am helpless, I can not lift heavy objects or perform any duties. If only I had paid more attention to the injury back then, things could be different now.
