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?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember vividly that it was around 8 am when I heard a message notification tone from my phone. I was taking my breakfast at that time. I called my son to check it for me. He said that it was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I was filled with joy and happiness, it was the best news that I have ever heard. We all celebrated the good news and later that day I went with my son and withdrew some of the money and bought food for the family. I knew I would be able to buy a water tank for storing clean water for domestic uses.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Purchasing a water tank is the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because I used to walk for quite a long distance to collect clean water. Sometimes I could hire someone to help me out and it was so costly. I have always wished to own a water tank so that we can get clean water for domestic uses. It was not possible because I do not have a continuous source of income. I depend on small-scale farming and suppose from my children. All this was for the basic need and emergencies. I had no extra money to buy a water tank. Currently, we have a decent and big water tank. I can harvest rainwater and this has enabled me to get enough clean water for domestic uses. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has improved our living standards, we are no longer exposed to water-related diseases that we used to be exposed to before. My family is so happy because this has made our lives much easier.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spend KES 32,000 on purchasing a water tank for storing clean water for domestic uses. This was my priority since I used to walk for a long distance to collect clean water. It was a time waste since I had a lot of activities at home to attend to. Currently, I have clean water and this has enabled me not to walk for a long distance again. I paid KES 8,000 for the college fees for my daughter who is in college. This enabled her to study well without being disturbed. For the rest of the money, I bought food and clothes for my children. I am so grateful for the support because I was boosted.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow, diabetic and I have been having difficulty walking due to old age yet I have a water shortage in my household. To get water for domestic use, I have to rely on neighbors to get me some from the water pan and I have to pay for it. I spend KES 100 per day for 100 liters of water due to a shortage of rainfall. I, therefore, intend to purchase a water tank at an estimated cost of KES 30,000 to collect water during the rainy season and spend KES 15,000 of the remaining cash to purchase a calf. Receiving this money will therefore relate to sufficient water in the household and I will be able to save some cash and I am glad for that.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I managed to take my last-born daughter to college to study veterinary courses in the last 6 months and this is what has brought joy to my life. Due to my old age, I have been wondering how to meet her education expenses but fortunately, 2 of my sons managed to settle the college fees.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The lack of sufficient funds for my medication is the challenge I am currently facing. I am diabetic with high blood pressure which requires constant check-ups due to my old age as well. Initially, I used to rely on poultry farming but I sold them at the expense of my medication. Currently, in a month, I spend approximately KES 1,500 on my medication which is costly. This leaves me to rely on my children and grandchildren for upkeep and I feel I am becoming a burden to them.
