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 was at the bush collecting firewood for my family. I remember it was around 3 pm when I received the mpesa message notification on my phone. I continued fetching the firewood until later when I returned home for my son to check my phone. It was a very joyous moment when I was informed that I had received my transfer. My husband was out in the field looking after our cows. I waited until evening to inform my spouse and plan on how to use our transfer to better our life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having constructed a decent shelter for the family is the biggest difference in my life. Previously, I was living in a grass-thatched house that required frequent maintenance. I am happy that I own a good house like others something that has restored my confidence.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Seeing my 4 kids being at home due to school fees arrears was very heartbreaking for me. After receiving my aid, I spent KES 4,400 to clear the fee balances. I also used a larger part of the remaining amount to acquire building materials like iron sheets, and timber. I had desired to construct a spacious house for my family since we were staying in a small, leaking grass-roofed house which was not enough to fully accommodate my family. This forced my daughter to seek refuge from our neighbors which were very embarrassing. With the remaining amount, I bought sufficient food for the family since we are experiencing drought and famine that led to food shortages.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am living in a very small house with my 6 children. I have been dreaming to have spacious house but because of the drought persisting in our area, I could not manage to fulfill my dream. Receiving this money means I will accomplish my dream of having a 3 bedroom house.I will buy furniture and a heavy mattress so that I can sleep comfortable
What is the happiest part of your day?
This year's new year celebration brought joy and happiness in my family. My husband bought a goat with 10 kilograms of rice and we enjoyed the new year celebration. It brought joy and happiness because I had not eaten this food for 3 years back.Both my family and I had an excellent new years celebration.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Drought persistence is hindering development because I am relying on subsistence farming and therefore luck of food security makes development a nightmare in my house.
