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
attach_money
 
Transfers
check
Completed
Newsfeed > Bendera's Profile
Bendera's family
Bendera
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
workCampaign
Kenya Basic Income
Upcoming Stage
Next Payment
attach_money
 
Follow to be updated on Bendera's next check-in.
 
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 1 month ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I don't have any other goals besides maintaining my health because I'm suffering from hypertension and arthritis. Fortunately, the transfers have ensured that I receive the necessary treatment on time, and I am able to cover the medical expenses, including having doctors visit me at home. This would have been a challenge if it weren't for GiveDirectly's support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am facing several medical complications in my old age, including arthritis and hypertension, which require expensive treatment. However, thanks to the monthly transfers, I am able to cover the cost of my medication. I spent the whole of my recent transfers on paying for my medical expenses. I am grateful that the doctor comes to my home to attend to me, and I no longer struggle to pay for my medical expenses. Additionally, I am now able to buy foodstuffs and have been able to maintain a healthy diet with three meals a day. This has greatly improved my health and well-being despite my age. I also purchased a goat which cost me $20 after saving for some months. So far, I own three goats and I am expecting that they will multiply, and be able to sell in case of a financial need.
 
13th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have decided to utilize my forthcoming transfers to purchase new clothing. Due to the financial strain caused by my health condition, I currently possess only two pairs of clothes. Acquiring new garments will not only enhance my appearance but also boost my self-confidence. Additionally, I intend to allocate some funds towards obtaining the necessary medicinal drugs that will aid in further improving my health. I am incredibly grateful for the financial transfers I have received thus far. They have provided me with the means to address both my clothing needs and medical requirements. The assistance I have received has made a significant difference in my life, and I cannot express enough appreciation for the support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Over the course of the past two years, I have been confronted with a recurring illness that seems to intensify every two months. Despite numerous hospital visits, I have yet to find a lasting solution for my health condition. In order to manage my condition, I allocate $10 each month towards purchasing medication that helps regulate my blood pressure and prevent further escalation of symptoms. In addition to acquiring the necessary medication, I have also made a conscious effort to save $10 per month. This savings fund is intended to provide me with a safety net in case of emergencies, allowing me to access immediate financial assistance when needed. Furthermore, I have allocated $12 towards the purchase of nutritious food, particularly fruits, which aid in boosting my immune system and overall well-being. I am immensely grateful for the financial support I have received as it has enabled me to obtain the expensive medication required to improve my health condition. The assistance I have received has played a significant role in managing my illness and providing me with hope for a better future.
 
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 9 months ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My current dwelling is not spacious, prompting my aspiration to construct a more expansive and secure residence. This new house will allow me to safeguard my belongings comfortably, especially during rainy seasons. Although I initially attempted to save funds for this endeavor, the persistent pangs of hunger hindered my ability to procure the necessary building materials. Fortunately, my efforts in agriculture have yielded a bountiful harvest, effectively mitigating the concern of food scarcity within my household. With reduced expenditures on sustenance, I now intend to redirect my financial resources towards the acquisition of building materials, starting with the purchase of iron sheets. My ultimate objective revolves around residing in a spacious and dignified home that remains stable against leaks during rainfall.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my recent transfers towards acquiring two goats and three chickens, which I am currently tending to. My intention is for them to multiply, providing me with potential assets that could serve as a safety net in times of financial necessity. Additionally, I utilized some of the funds to purchase new clothing for myself, a thought that had been absent from my mind for several months. Typically, the transfers I received were previously spent mainly on food. Presently, my agricultural efforts have yielded a successful harvest, alleviating the challenge of food scarcity within my household. This positive outcome gave me the opportunity to consider investing in new attire. Furthermore, I also spent a portion of the funds to cover my medical expenses. I am content and relieved that I received proper medical care, eliminating the need to seek assistance from my family members as I had previously done whenever I encountered difficulties affording medication.
 
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
attach_money
 
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
At the very least, I wish to own 5 goats by the end of the year. The reason for rearing these animals is so that they can build me wealth and a readily available source of income as I could sell these animals to cater to my needs. Also, am not happy with how small my current house is. Whenever I get visitors, am forced to request my relatives for extra accommodation, which sometimes inconveniences their space. This is why I want to build a new house with two rooms. I will be content if I bought the building materials like tree poles and iron sheets first, then hired someone to complete the project.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Over the last two years, I have been suffering from regular hypertension. The poor financial condition in my household has made it challenging to afford medication for managing the condition. The little earnings that my son makes from hawking bottled water can only buy food for the family (his wife, two children, and me). Mostly, the cash support with obtaining the medicines and securing more food for my family. For the last three months, I have used $10 on my monthly prescription, spent $14 on food, and saved the remaining $10. I thank God that the condition is stabilizing, not only through the drugs but also through the regular meals, which were hard to obtain before the cash aid. Furthermore, I can save part of the money to buy goats in the future as a source of wealth.
 
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
 
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I applaud the organization for their kind deed of assisting the vulnerable by giving them financial independence through the unconditional transfers. I must admit that the transfers have greatly aided me in keeping my health from deteriorating further. I implore the organization to keep up the good work they are already doing and to maintain their vigilance.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since receiving a high blood pressure diagnosis two years ago, my health has drastically declined. Due to my advanced age, I completely rely on my son and daughter-in-law to take care of my basic needs, such as covering my medical expenses. Their meager earnings from their part-time jobs hawking and selling charcoal make it difficult for them to support me. As a result, when I got my transfer, I spent $12 on medications to improve my health, which was at its worst. I used the remaining money to buy food in addition to the medicine. I prioritized purchasing fruits and vegetables to help my body fight off secondary illnesses and to strengthen my immunity. My good health has allowed me to smile more often, so I'm grateful for that.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
attach_money
 
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in terrible pain and groaning helplessly as I lay on my bed. My daughter-in-law broke the good news that I had received my first transfer as she ran into my home while I was still in bed. She gently squeezed my hand as we both shed happy tears. She said a brief prayer and urged me to continue fighting. Knowing that the next day I would go to the hospital, receive treatment, and lessen the pain I was experiencing gave me great joy.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The ability to access medical services at a time when I was struggling financially is the biggest difference the funds have made in my life. After purchasing medication to prevent my health condition from getting worse, my health is now getting better. The situation was worse before the transfer arrived because my son's business dealings left him without the funds. I'm appreciative and hopeful that the money will make it easier for me to manage my health condition.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used the entire $12 transfer to buy the right medication for my deteriorating health. I've been battling high and low blood pressure for the past three years. Due to my advanced age, my son and daughter-in-law are completely responsible for my financial needs. In Mombasa town, my son is a part-time casual worker selling bottled water out of a cart. I reside in the village with my daughter-in-law, who takes care of me. I go to the hospital every week for expensive medical checkups. The enormous responsibility of covering my medical expenses and providing for the needs of the family falls on my son. I occasionally have to skip the checkups because I don't have enough money. I'm grateful that the transfer allowed me to receive medical care when we didn't have the funds to do so.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 2 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I feel like a burden to my family because at my age I cannot do anything to contribute financially to my household. All I do is sit down the whole day in the compound as I wait for people to come back from their daily activities. Old age makes someone vulnerable to many things and one of them being diseases. My desire has always been to do livestock farming which I can use when they multiply to also contribute to the family's needs and especially in seeking good medical care. These transfers will enable me to achieve this as I plan to use them to venture into this project of goat keeping.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have blood pressure that needs constant medication, however, lack of money has hindered me to get good treatment. I had even lost hope of ever getting better but fortunately, GD money has come to my rescue. I am glad that I will now be able to get treated without any worries about where to get money from.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Old age comes with many diseases. I have blood pressure that frequently attacks me and because of lack of finances getting good medication has become a problem. I am afraid it might be the end of me someday if I do not get proper medical care. Therefore, the challenge that I currently face is lack of money to seek medications.