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 while at home when I heard neighbors saying they had received their transfers but had not. At around 11 am is when I heard a message alert on my phone while doing casual labor in the neighborhood. On checking, I confirmed to have received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was very happy this energized me to complete my day's work.
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 happiness because I have built a more spacious and modern Iron roofed house. These can now accommodate my family well. Since I had never received aid in my life had no hope of building a house but GiveDirectly has enabled me.
Secondly, the transfers made me access to more expensive and decent clothing. These have made me look neater than before when I used to afford second-hand clothes only.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a father of four and have been taking care of my kids single-handedly since my wife moved out of our home in 2013. To feed my kids, I usually rely upon casual labors ranging from weeding, house construction, and fencing.
When I received my transfers my priority was building a better house. I, therefore, spent KES 36,500 on the construction of a 24 Iron roofed modern house. This is because I have been living with my four kids in a tiny grass-thatched house built 12 years ago. Additionally, since my kids are approaching their teen years there is a need for their privacy.
Secondly, I spent KES 7,000 on a bed and a mattress. This is because my kids didn't have such and used to sleep on clothes rags on the floor. I also spent KES 8, 500 on the latest clothing fashion for my family.
Lastly, I spent KES 8,000 on two bags of maize which will sustain my family longer. Earlier getting food was my main challenge because one cannot work without eating. But GiveDirectly transfers have helped to reduce household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have always had the desire to do poultry farming specifically for eggs businesses. This has never happened due to a lack of capital as I cannot save any money from the meager earnings from casual jobs. Receiving this money means a stable source of income that will enable me to pay school fees for my daughter. I am excited to know that these transfers will change my life for the better. I will build a poultry house that can house thirty hens and purchase feeds. This will cost me KES 50,000 for a start-up from which I project earning an average of KES 300 per day when they mature hence a reliable source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even though I am sickly, I am happy because I never lack casual jobs to do. For the past four months, I have been working at a neighbors farm. This enables me to cater to my basic needs such as food, medication, and also pay my daughter's school fees.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I separated from my wife nine years ago due to irreconcilable differences. Since then, I have been living alone and life has not been easy because I am sickly with no one to take care of me. When I am unable to work, I borrow food from my relatives which is something I detest. I wish I had someone we can share responsibilities in life.
