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 around 9am I was just at home relaxing , My daughter in-law had the phone. She came to inform me that the money had been sent. Felt so happy. We immediately plan on how to withdrew it from the Mpesa shop. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. My children felt so happy because they new I would be able to build a better and spacious house. I am so grateful because were it not GiveDirectly all this could not have happened.
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 have build a better and spacious house for my family. I used to live in a small grass thatched house which could not host all my family members comfortably. The house was small and it was almost falling down. Whenever I had visitors it was not possible to host them. I had always wished to own a better house but I didn't had the money to buy the building materials. When GiveDirectly came to our area I knew that was the chance of getting started. I was able to build a better house. Currently I am able to host visitors comfortably. I am so happy and grateful for the support. I live a better live.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent some money to build a better house for my family. I used to live in a small grass thatched house which could not host all my family comfortably. I used some amount to buy a heifer. This was also my wish but I didn't had the money. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes. I am so grateful for the support it has changed my living standard.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this transfers means a good shelter and food security for me.This will enable me purchase a dairy cow worth KES 40000 and build a small house made of 20 pieces of iron sheets each at KES 600.This cow will provide me with milk for consumption and the surplus will be sold in order to meet other food requirements such as flour and vegetables.Since I got married I have been a farmer practicing dairy and crop production.My herd of cattle had grown to approximately 15 cows. When my 5 sons got married most of the cows-12 were paid off as dowry for their wives. In addition ,drought in the area has led to poor crop production in the past 5 years .Some of the livestock were sold out to buy food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Morning is the happiest part of my day.This is because I get another opportunity to live and interact with my family members
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in life is poor shelter and lack of food. My entire life I have lived in a small hut with my family . This house leaks a lot whenever it rains.It gives me sleepless nights and lowers my dignity whenever visitors come around.
