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 sitting at home when my wife came running. She told me that people had started receiving money from GiveDirectly. I had heard a text earlier but had not checked. Immediately, I pulled out my phone and confirmed I had received the cash! Overwhelmed with joy, we rushed to join some neighbors who were gathered around one of the GiveDirectly officers who was in the village, celebrating and taking videos of the moment. After the celebrations, my wife and I sat down and carefully planned how to use the money to address our needs. Thank you, GiveDirectly!
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Sleeping on a tiny, uncomfortable bed that was barely holding together, propped up by a stone with my wife for three years was a constant struggle. It was so small that we had to coordinate every time we wanted to turn over, and our old mattress was completely worn out. We dreamed of buying a new bed and mattress, but with our unreliable farming income from droughts and floods, plus our son’s school fees, it seemed impossible. When I received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, I made buying a new bed and mattress my top priority, and now we sleep comfortably every night. This change has made a huge difference in our lives. I used to wake up at 5 am because I couldn’t sleep well, but now I can sleep until 7 am, thanks to the comfort of our new bed and mattress. Thank you, GiveDirectly!
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For three years, my wife and I struggled with our small bed, which was uncomfortable and old, often making it hard to turn over at night without talking to each other. One leg was broken, and we propped it up with a stone, while our worn-out mattress added to our discomfort. We had wanted to buy a new bed and mattress for a long time, but money was always a problem because we relied solely on crop farming, which is unreliable due to constant droughts and floods, especially this year when we lost so much. When I received my first cash transfer, my top priority was to purchase a new bed and mattress for $46 and $34, respectively, so now we sleep comfortably without having to squeeze together. I also realized we needed more seating, so I bought three additional plastic chairs for $21 and a table for $11, making it easier to host visitors without borrowing from neighbors. Since we had just returned from the camps after losing many of our supplies to floods, I used $30 to buy essential food items like sugar, cooking oil, and rice, and I paid off a $15 debt for borrowed food items from a nearby shop. Additionally, I bought a 200-liter water drum for $25 to help us store water for our family, ensuring we are better prepared for the dry season.
Enrolled
access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving these cash transfers means so much to me and my spouse. Since we have a challenge of living in a single room and being forced to seek refuge from my neighbours, the cash transfers will offer me a chance to build a bigger house. With the transfers I intend to spend about KES 50000 to build a house and purchase household goods and furnitures. I also plan to pay school fees for our grandson Kelvin who is in College in the city (Nairobi). I intend to pay KES 15000 of his school fees using the cash transfers. I also plan to build a pit latrine and a kitchen with the remaining amount. We usually cook outside since we don't have a kitchen which is very challenging for us particularly during the rainy season. With the pit latrine we will be able to maintain cleanliness and hygiene thanks to the cash transfers that we will receive.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness over the past 6 months came from my half and hector maize plantation. During the floods my neighbour's maize plantation was taken by the flood water, however, mine remained standing which made me very happy. I thank the almighty because he spared my maize since it is the only thing I depend on for food and money this year. Whenever I see the maize I can't stop smiling as my heart is filled with joy and gratitude.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge we are facing is that we are living in a small one roomed house. This has forced me to go to sleep in my neighbours house while my wife and daughter sleep in our house. This makes it very difficult for me and I sometimes feel ashamed because I'm getting old and yet I have to go to my neighbours to sleep.
