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?
It was exactly 7 Am when with colleagues headed to the working site when both our phones started ringing continuously. I was so nervous and opted to check who it could be and the contents of the messages. Upon checking, I confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I had, at last, received the cash that I had anxiously been waiting for. It was a joyous moment for all of us because they also had received theirs. I could not even concentrate and opted to go back home and extended the celebrations.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily is that I managed to settle the school fees arrears for my daughter. This has been the main challenge considering that I have been relying on odd jobs to make ends meet. Moreover, my spouse passed on five years ago leaving behind three children. I raised them singlehandedly which has been easy at all. However, this forced my children not to acquire better education like the rest. They could be sent home regularly which led them to miss important exams. This was a motivation for them but again I did not have any option. I have been trying to seek assistance from the well-wishers but I was not lucky enough. For now, I am a happy mother seeing my daughter studying without any hiccups. I am hopeful that her future will be a bright plus that of her generation.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying several building materials which comprise iron sheets, building poles, threads, nails, and the labor charges of KES 22800. I had intended to build a new house for my son because he has been sleeping at my relative's house since my house was small. Also, he is a teenager and it was taboo for us to share the same shelter. I am so glad that finally, he sleeps in a very decent house in my compound which has been my long-time wish. Additionally, I paid fees of KES 5000 for my daughter who is in her second year in secondary school. She has been on and off which has been affecting her performance. With the reaming amount of money, I bought foodstuff for my three children. It is now a relief that we no longer skip meals like we used to do.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow who was left with two kids under my care when my husband died back in 2017. I had to resort to working in a quarry where Manganese is being mined to fend for my children. I earn as little as 450 KES a day which barely sustains my family's needs. With my daughter in form two and my son in standard seven, I have to part with almost 5000 KES a month on school fees alone. I will use my transfers to support my children's education for the betterment of their future. The rest of the transfers will cater for food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Yesterday, I received my weekly wages from the quarry. I bought fried fish( a meal we rarely take) and prepared stew. I served it with ugali and ate with my family. My children enjoyed that meal and this brought happiness to the whole family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is my major problem. The quarry job proceeds are not enough and the bad working conditions where we work under the sun for the whole day. This plus the dust in the mines exposes me to respiratory diseases. I fear for my health and this worries me a lot, but I am compelled to put my health at risk for the sake of my family.
