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?
Living in the reserve area, the major source of cooking energy is wood. On this day, as usual I had headed down to chop some wood for cooking. A buzz on my phone had me pausing for a while as I saw an MPESA message from GiveDirectly. My balance had just spiked by a whooping KES 55000. I could not hide my joy as this was an answered prayer. I contemplated on what to do with the amount and was able to do a withdrawal after a weeks' time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
GiveDirectly has really improved my life as I have been able to purchase some goats and improve my animal farming. To add to that, I have fixed the leaking roof in the house ensuring a warm and humble aboard.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
The amount totalling to KES 55000 came as a big relief to my family and I. I was able to take care of quite a number of things for growth of the livelihood at home. Having a leaky house, I set aside KES 18000 for purchase of iron sheets and a further KES 8000 for labour in the mounting of the roof top. Having a well improved house, I was able to buy a bed and mattress at KES 10500 elavating the new look of the house. To add to that, I purchased three goats at a total of KES 15000 improving my animal farming skills and the balance of KES 4000 spending it on buying a sack of maize which we use to exchange for ugali flour.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As life keeps getting tougher by the day, I feel the need of looking for ways to generate more income for the family. At the moment, my two children and I only depend on my husband. He does provide to the beat of his ability bit the knee he makes from casual jobs is not enough. I would want to start a business in fish. The profit margins are good and with time, we will pull resources and build a spacious house. The one we are in right now is tiny and uncomfortable as we have to cook in there with the traditional cooker. The smoke affects our health.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I rejoice in the goodness of God. My entire family, nuclear and extended combined are in good health. We don't have to worry about hospital bills and I do not take that for granted.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband has so many responsibilities. He is a casual laborer and most yes he makes as little as KES 500. With this income, his mother and brothers depend on him. He's got me and our two boys to take care of as well. In a month, we are forced to sleep on empty stomachs because he honestly doe not have money for food.
