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 remember very well I was going through my phone then I saw a new message. I decided to check who might have sent the message at such an hour. Upon checking I did not believe what I saw, it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I felt Wow! and I knew my dream of owning my a house has come true.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having my own semi-permanent house has really brought the biggest difference in my life. I have been longing to have my own house for a long period of time but because of my financial status, I could not afford it. Being a widow life has been so tough for a couple of years. I had to leave my late husband homestead and return back to my parents because of what I was going through. Since my parents were also poor I had to sleep at my brother's house together with my four children. I was not comfortable at all because my brother had a family as well. Therefore after receiving my first transfer constructing my own house was my first priority. I am extremely grateful now because I am living comfortably with my children courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as building poles, iron sheets, nails, threads, and timber. This was for the purpose of constructing a new decent house. The previous one was for my brother and it was not spacious. I also bought some beddings such a new mattress and bed and bedsheets, because previously I used to sleep on some old mats with was so hectic. The remaining amount of money, I am using it in buying enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household items.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Owning a house is my biggest desire that I have not achieved for long ever since I returned home after the death of my husband 7 years ago. I have been seeking refuge in my brother's house and in most cases when he comes home during his leave days, I am forced to shift to the kitchen something that lowers my dignity. My wish once I receive the first transfer is to construct a two-roomed semi-permanent house at an estimated cost of 350 dollars. This will give my life a better version, a standard that I have long wished. On the other hand, I intend to use part of my second transfer to seek the removal of metal plates in my leg which were fixed 3 years ago after having fractures due to an accident. The remaining amount will help me to buy 2 indigenous dairy cows that will act as my long term investment project to aid in my children's education in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening becomes the happiest part of my day because it is at this time when I found myself relaxed and with many thanks to God for keeping me all over the day. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am confused about how I can get my day's meals.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The financial crisis is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced. This situation has forced me to live a miserable life and most of the time, I feel out of my senses due to the much stress I always encounter. Imagine surviving with a metal plate in the leg that was not even properly fixed with screws! It has limited me to doing heavy jobs like charcoal burning and farming which are the main economic activities in our area. Borrowing and relying on my family members is what I have known since in the last 3 years and this has robed my joy in life.
