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 field looking after the animals when I heard my phone ringing, Upon checking I saw a Mpesa notification message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly, it was the happiest day in my life, in that I was overwhelmed with joy because I knew that with the unconditional cash at hand, I would be able to realise the goals which I had set, I am forever grateful for the support that gave me an opportunity for me to better my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
It is a dream come true, I never had imagined that I would have been able to construct a decent house in a short period, The eight of us used to share a small hut which was not comfortable, but we had to bear with it because that was what I could afford then, My daily life is different now because I can see my children happy with new clothes and enough foodstuff at the palm of the hands, I am forever grateful for the support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a casual labourer in the village, married and blessed with six children, My dream had always been to build a decent house for my family, this is because I used to live in a grass-thatched house which was small for the eight of us to share, upon receiving my transfer I saw the need of prioritizing the house, thus, I used KES 47,000, I was unable to build one before due to unreliable source of income, I then used the remaining amount in buying foodstuffs and clothes, I am thankful for the overwhelming support that lifted my living standards.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My wife and I dropped out of school at an early age due to lack of support from parents because we lived in abject poverty. I do not want my children to live their lives struggling making me enroll all of them in school. Seeing them complete their education up to university level is my dream. I have seven school going children with the eldest in secondary school. My family depends on me for all the basic needs which I do not meet always as I am a casual laborer earning KES 200 per day. This is seasonal and can caters for only food for them leaving me with KES 15,000 school fee arrears. Receiving this money means I will clear school fees for my daughter and pay KES 12,000 in advance for the next term. The rest of the money I will buy a dairy cow which will be a future source of income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Though I do not have a stable income, I am thankful to God because my family have had atleast two meals in a day for the last six months. Everyday I go to the market to carry luggage for people at a small fee and at the end of the day I am able to put food on the table. It brings me happiness because we have never slept on an hungry stomach.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Living in a semi arid area is the greatest challenge that I am currently facing. Our farms have become unproductive for four years consecutively hence we cannot depend on farm produce but rather purchasing from the market. It has not been easy putting food on the table for my family of nine considering I do not have a stable income.
