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?
It was in my house resting after doing my household activities. I heard the message alert on my phone and I called my helper to examine my phone and interpret them for me since I am uneducated. After checking my phone he informed me that I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly. I was so excited since it mark the end of the laborious activity of charcoal vending.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Watching my grandchildren continue with their studies after clearing their fee arrears is the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously, I was afraid they might drop out due to the huge fee balances. I am positive that they will be able to complete their studies and secure good jobs in the future, therefore, better living conditions.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to educate my 3 grandchildren who are in secondary school, they are in form 1, 3, and 4 respectively. I used KES 20,000 to settle their fee arrears. In addition, I used 5,000 to purchase pairs of clothes for my spouse and I since we were wearing worn-out clothes that were embarrassing whenever I attended community gatherings. I saved some of the remaining amount to restart livestock rearing once the drought is over since most of my animals died because of the lack of pasture and water due to the drought conditions in our area. I am planning to purchase 4 goats when it rains. In addition, I bought enough food and water with the remaining part.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have desired to invest in livestock because this is the only way I can save my money to earn me profit when I sell them after they multiply. I, therefore intend to start with 10 goats that will cost me KES 30000 of my transfer. I will further spend KES 50000 to extend my house with 2 rooms because the one I have is not spacious enough to accommodate my grandchildren with whom I share a room. The remaining amount will cater to other household expenses like food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been suffering from eye problems for a long without any medication due to financial difficulties in my family. In early June my grandchildren took me to the hospital and I got medication and this made me happy because my eyes are now okay and I can see without a problem.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the current challenge that I am facing. This is because we rely on charcoal work and our income is very low of KES 300 per week and can not sustain all our needs. Due to this, we struggle a lot to put food on the table and sometimes we seek help from relatives.
