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.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The memories are still fresh, we lost everything we had invested as a family. It was in the year 2021 when we experienced flash floods in our area. This opened a chapter of struggle and suffering in our life. We fled and found refuge here, our suffering never ends here. We are living in a road reserve and therefore we expect eviction from the government anytime. I am a casual labourer earning about KES 400 a day. This goes to food and other family basic needs, at the end of the day I am left with nothing to save. Our houses are also not in a good condition, we are forced to wrap it with polythene bags to avoid being raised on.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Before it rained, my wife used to trek about 4 kilometers to fetch water for domestic use. I was feeling sad and sympertized on her, I was not able to give her a helping hand since in our culture fetching water is women's chores. It has been raining heavily for the last three months and water is now available in a nearby season river. I am happy that my wife is no longer walking for long distances to fetch water.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have been struggling to put food on the table for my family of seven with my little income. With GiveDirectly's cash transfer program, I will be able to buy enough food and clothes for my family. This will cost me KES 20,000 of my transfers. I have been dreaming of building my family a better house but lack of finance is my biggest setback. I am happy that through GiveDirectly's cash transfer I will be able to build a two-roomed house made of iron sheets for my family. It will cost KES 60,000 of my transfers. With the remaining money, I will invest in rearing goats.
