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?
I vividly remember it was around 9 am. I was at my home preparing to start my daily households chores. My phone was on silent mode and it lights up an indication that I had received a new message. After checking, I realized that I had received the transfer. I felt very happy and a little bit of confusion since I had never received such a huge amount of money. I had great hope after being enrolled into the program since I am the only breadwinner for my family of 3 after my husband neglected us 3 years ago.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I am now living in a better and comfortable house with my family. With help of my first transfer, I was able to construct a decent house. I am grateful for the aid. I no longer have to worry about the safety of my family members.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000 to construct a decent shelter for my family by purchasing 20 iron sheets, nails, building poles, and paying labor costs. The house that I had earlier was collapsed which was so dangerous to my family members. I was constantly afraid that it may collapse at night while I am asleep. In addition, I bought modern beddings for KES 10,000 this is because I was using a traditional bed and sacks which were not comfortable. I spent the remaining amount to acquire enough food and save some amount to cater for other daily needs like water.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security to my household .I depend on casual labour to buy food for my family. I am planning to spend twenty thousand shillings to buy food, thirty thousand kenya shillings to start a hair salon business because I am a compitent hair dresser and also buy two bulls to use them in ploughing my one acre piece of land which I was given by my parents . The bulls together with the plough will cost me roughly thirty thousand shillings. The remaining twenty thousand shillings will be my savings for my children for their education and future emergency cases.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the afternoon when my family has taken lunch and I am free chatting with my neighbours. Seeing my children eating happily makes me stress-free.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Hunger and living a poor life with my children without food in the house is the hardest thing I encountered in life! I was married in 2019 but hunger and difficulties in life made me leave my house and came back to my parents.
