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 was very excited after quite a relatively long wait when I received a confirmation of the receipt of my first transfer. Before then, life had been so hard due to the pandemic restrictions and the deterioration of many income-generating businesses that I previously had. It was around 8:00 am when I noticed that I had received a message bearing the good news. With my family at home, we were filled with joy as everyone was expecting the receipt with great hopes of transformation on the plans that we had.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the complete construction of a new kitchen that not only provides a cooking area but also a room for my children and visitors whenever they come over. I am glad that I also managed to equip it with new furniture and bedding that made everything in the room look great.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With a better share of my first transfer, I constructed a new kitchen that has so far served us well with an extra room that has provided a bed space for my children. I spent KES 25000 on sourcing all the materials including 15 iron sheets, building poles, timber, and nails. I also met the cost of delivery to the construction site and in addition, I paid the labor charges on the construction worth KES 5000. I later obtained a bed and other pieces of furniture worth KES 10000, new pairs of clothes for my family of seven at KES 9000, and also a large water container worth KES 2000. After a long time of using a lantern lamp that would exude a lot of fumes, I spent the remaining amount on obtaining solar lighting equipment that has enhanced the general lighting of my house and is also useful in the evening studies for my children.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Environmental conservation has been my ambition after discovering the importance of caring for the environment. We are encountering drought due to deforestation as a result of timber harvesting and charcoal burning in my community. I started a tree planting business five years ago when I realized people had not adopted tree planting which I encourage them to and care for it. I currently have 300 seedlings of bluegum and Cupressus that will be ready in two months time for sale. I plan on expanding this business by increasing the variety of trees and purchasing a 5000 litres tank for harvesting water for irrigating during the dry season. This will cost me KES 30,000 for the tank and KES 10,000 for seeds and packaging. I am happy as this will be a source of sustainable income for my family of six and also more planting and caring for the trees will reduce deforestation and improve rainfall patterns.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Due to a lack of consistent rainfall, the income from my tree seedlings business was reduced. I then opted for casual work which earns me KES 200 per day. Being able to put food on the table consistently for the last six months has brought me happiness. Even though I struggle financially to make ends meet, my family has always had enough food to eat.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of a stable source of income is a challenge. I sell tree seedlings to earn a living which earns me KES 6,000 every two months which is not enough to sustain my family needs for food , school levies for my four children in primary school and clothing. I supplement this by doing casual jobs when it is available and this earns me KES 200 per day. I find it difficult because I cannot save for future investments and emergencies.
