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 at home at around 9 am when I had just completed collecting firewood for the breakfast preparation. I was busy lighting the fire when I heard a message alert on my phone, because I am illiterate, I could not understand its contents. I had to wait for my helper to come to verify it as well as interpret the message for me. I was very happy when I was told that I had received the transfer that would change my life for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Seeing the various construction materials laying in my household gives me hope that I will be able to reside in a better shelter in the near future. In addition, I am happy that I am spending my nights on comfortable new bedding something that makes me happy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 24,000 of my recent transfer to purchase a lorry of building stones, this was for the construction of a permanent house for myself. The one that I initial own was old, leaking, and collapsing on one side something that was very dangerous. In addition, I spent KES 2000 to pay someone to dig a toilet pit on my compound. Previously, I was using the bush which was very risky, especially at night. I also bought a new mattress for KES 4000 because the one I had earlier was ripped and worn out. With the remaining amount, I bought sufficient food for the family because of the famine that we are still encountering in our area.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means building a semi-permanent house for me. I am a widow, my husband died 10 years ago. Currently, I am staying in a small house that is almost collapsing. My plan once I receive these transfers is to spend 80000 KES to construct a proper house so that I can live a decent life. I will further spend 15000 KES to buy a new bed and mattress to replace the old one that does not give me nice sleep.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the month of November, my nephew took me to the hospital because I was suffering from kidney disease. This made me happy because I got medication that ameliorates the symptoms.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is health-related. I have been suffering from chest pain and hypertension over 4 years now. The doctor has warned me against doing physical jobs since the conditions gets worse. This has limited my income since most jobs here at home are physical in nature.
