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 received the transfer notification early in the morning and on checking the contents of the message I realized that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I was greatly overjoyed and I remember thanking them for giving me this financial support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Some times back we were hit by a drought that persisted for a long time and forced us to walk over long distances in search of water daily since I lacked a permanent water storage that would serve us for even a week. Through this transfer, I acquired a 4000-litre plastic water tank and gutters and installed it in my house. I am glad that this tank will not only harvest and store water for domestic purposes but also offers a long term solution in case of water shortage during the dry seasons, which makes it to be the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 32000 of my first transfer on buying a plastic water tank and gutters to fix on my house for water harvesting. Sometimes we are faced with a persistent drought which dries up the water pans we mainly depend on thus bringing a serious water shortage in our region. Having this tank will offer a solution since I will be able to harvest and store enough water to help me in such times. I also bought some bags of cement, sand and some bricks to construct a raised structure where I will place the water tank. Apart from this, I also purchased a goat and spent the remaining amount to buy some foodstuffs and in paying for other household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means financial stability. I will be able to expand my small business of selling 'omena' a common delicacy here in the coastal of Kenya. I plan to add other goods such as vegetables and increase my stock of 'omena' by injecting a capital of 30,000 shillings into the business. The rest of the money will go into purchase of indigenous livestock for rearing as well as educational needs for our children such as school fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When not selling 'omena', I make charcoal for sale together with my husband. It is a tiring job because its labor intensive. In the evening though, we get to rest and regain our strength making it the best time of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is financial instability. After my husband lost his job in June 2018, life took an unexpected turn for us. First, I had to be the one to now support the family with my small income from my 'omena' business. We no longer afford certain meals such as meat which we were used to eating quite often. My children are often sent home for lack of fees. We have been ridiculed by neighbors and friends as well.
