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 8 am when I was at home relaxing after completing my morning household chores of preparing my kids for school. I was getting ready to go to the bush for charcoal preparation. I checked my phone since I had earlier received a message but I was busy doing my chores. I discovered that there is a Mpesa message on my phone indicating that I had received my transfer. I was very excited for receiving my transfer which would aid in the fulfillment of my desired projects.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am optimistic that I will be able to live in a modern iron-roofed house like others in my village. The various construction materials laying outside my house give me hope that I will finally be living in a decent house, something that I am grateful for.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 32,000 of my transfer to purchase building materials which included 20 iron sheets, 80 building poles, and timber. This was for the construction of a spacious house for my family since the one I had was very small to fully accommodate us and our commodity. I also invested KES 2500 on my children's educational needs by clearing their school term 2 fee arrears. Furthermore, I bought some pairs of school uniforms for my children since they were going to school in worn-out clothes which bring a lot of embarrassment as a parent. Also, I bought enough foodstuff for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been living a fearful life because the house we are currently in is almost collapsing. I worry that it can collapse anytime and harm us. My dream has been to construct a decent and spacious house for my family of 5 members but due to financial challenges, this desire has never come true. Receiving this transfer means fulfilling it. I am intending to spend KES 50,000 on construction so that my family can live a comfortable and carefree life. Additionally, I will invest the remaining amount in the business ( food kiosk) which is going to generate income for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of the day. It is at this time when I have enough time to pray and thank God with my family for giving us another day to rejoice and work so that at least I can provide the basic needs such as food. This is different from the evening when everyone is tired and needs to rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest hardship I have faced in my life. This is caused by the long drought seasons we are experiencing in our areas. Nowadays, I depend on charcoal burning this job is tiresome and earns me KES 200 after 3 days. This amount is insufficient to cater to our basic needs such as food.
