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 around 9am while relaxing at home when I heard my phone ring. Because I don't know how to read, I gave it to my helper who confirmed that I had received KES55000 from GiveDirectly. I was very happy and immediately I sent my helper to withdraw.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving the transfers is building a modern house which I had desired to have due to old age for easy cleaning to avoid mud smearing work.Through the transfers I also have enough food to sustain me for a longer period unlike before when I used to rely on my son to feed me.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 55000 on building a timber-walled house because the one I had was mudwalled and grass thatched.I spent the rest on food and clothing especially during the Christmas Eve.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will mean a lot to me. I live in a grass thatched house that leaks when it rains. It is a one roomed house that I partitioned to be my kitchen and at the same time my bedroom. Whenever I cook, smoke fills the house making me uncomfortable and cough so much. With the transfers, I will build a better house so that I may not be rained on, buy maize and other food since I am old to cultivate and also buy a calf.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening because I am happy and grateful that I have had my meals and also resting.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I can say it is poverty. I am old and do not have the strength to go look for grass to come fill my leaking roof. This has made my life so uncomfortable. I cannot also till my land because I am too old and feeding myself has been a challenge. I rely so much on my sons.
