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 had gone to fetch water in the neighbourhood for evening use, and at around 5 pm I heard my phone ringing. I decided not to check my phone until I reach home. Upon arrival, I told my helper to check what the message entailed. I was full of happiness the moment he broke the news that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I knew that I would be able to accomplish a lot with it. I am so grateful for the support that lifted our living standard amazingly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I was able to acquire a motorcycle for my family. Which I was unable to buy before due to financial constraints. I am hopeful that I would be able to make a profit with the Boda Boda. I have been able to accomplish my dreams in a short period hence I am grateful to the organization for putting smiles on our faces and for transforming our living standards amazingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a farmer, married and blessed with four children. On receiving my transfer, I used KES 20,000 in making a down payment for a motorcycle that I was taking on a hire purchase. This is because I wanted my husband to have a reliable source of income other than dwelling on the casual jobs around the village which were not available. I then used KES 12,000 on buying decent beddings for my family and paid school fees of KES 5000 for my children. Lastly, I used the remaining amount on foodstuffs. Owning a motorbike is a dream come true and I am forever grateful for the support that made me realise my goal.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house was infested with termites. It can be blown by at any moment. I am planning to use my transfer to demolish the roof and erect another one using strong poles. The renovation might eat up an estimate of 20,000 KES. I will also buy two beds with mattresses at 20,000KES. One bed will be for my husband and I and the second one will be for my kids. We are currently sleeping on beds sewed with sisal ropes with no beddings. They are uncomfortable sleeping on and we usually wake up already tired as if we have wrestled the whole night. The rest of the money will go on supporting the household foodstuff needs among others.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We recently took my four children to the hospital to be circumcised after saving for some months. They have for a long time been teased by other kids because of being uncircumcised. I am happy that they are now free from stigmatization. Furthermore, they are healing very fast with no complications.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We depend on my husband who is a tapper on someone's palm tree farm. He earns approximately 400 KES a day. With the rise in the price of basic commodities, this amount is not sufficient for food and other household needs. ( Schools fees for our four children and other emergencies.)
