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 biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own a permanent house which is very decent. Previously, we were living in a semi-permanent house whose walls had some holes all over. I thank God because Currently, the walls are plastered and are therefore more decent and permanent. In addition to that, the floor was sandy all over but now it is well polished. Secondly, the rooms did not have permanent doors which was stressing me since there was no privacy and the fact that my children are all grown-ups. Everything is now settled because My house is permanent and we are now living happily as a family.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Since I am illiterate my son normally stays with my phone, I remember very well it was around 7 am when he told me that there is an Mpesa message from GD. I felt so much happy at that time. I found myself screaming in happiness early that morning.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying eleven bags of cement at KES 650 each, three wooden doors, some bricks, two windows, and sand. This was for the renovation of my house which was previously temporary. I then paid the mason his labor fees. With the remaining amount, I bought sufficient foodstuffs for my family. Taking a single meal was like a routine for me and my family because of the long droughts which were affecting my village. But after receiving my first transfer we are now taking three meals a day as other families do. This has made my children ad and I to be healthier unlike before.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For several years now, I have been suffering from a heart problem, a condition I haven't been able to cure due to financial constraints. Receiving this money, therefore, means I will be able to get the required medical attention. Currently, I am unable to engage in any meaningful economic activity due to poor health. Once am treated, I will be in a position to assist my husband in raising healthy and educated children. I have been a burden to him for far too long, thankfully, no situation is permanent. For the remaining part of the transfers, am going to put up a kiosk business within the village. That way, I will be able to contribute positively to the family's economical growth.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For a person suffering from a terminal illness like myself, waking up to a new day is always a source of joy and hope. At times, nights are long and painful thus seeing a new day means a lot to me. This is the main reason morning is always the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of financial resources has been the biggest hardship I've ever faced. My husband who is our sole provider is a casual laborer and the little income he earns is hardly enough to meet our needs as a family. I have been battling heart disease for five years now something that has made me incapable of offering support to my husband who struggling a lot in providing for the family. Because of this, I have not been able to get proper medical attention; every time we visit the healthcare facility, we are shown the door. I count myself lucky because, in the next month or so, my transfers will be in. This is going to help me put an end to the harrowing and sleepless nights I've endured in the last half a decade.
