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 7 pm, I had just returned home from my usual job as a private security guard at my neighbor's farm. This job is very tiresome and I always return home extremely exhausted. I was relaxing outside my house when I heard the villagers celebrating receiving their transfers. I called one of the relatives to check the Mpesa account balance to find out if I had received the transfer. I was so happy when I learned that I had received the transfer. This marks the beginning of transforming my life for the better.
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 am optimistic that I will be able to stay in a decent shelter once I through with the construction of my house. This will install the happiness that I had lost for a long time. I am very grateful for the transfer. Earlier, I had no money to renovate the house which made me constantly suffer because of the poor status of my shelter.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 of my recent transfer to purchase building materials including building poles and iron sheets. This was for the renovation of my house, which had an open roof. I could even see the sky and the stars while sleeping inside my house. It was such a miserable life especially during the rainy season as I was spending a sleepless night. Furthermore, most of my important documents had to be stored in my neighbour's house to avoid being destroyed by rain. I also save some for the labour costs and to make sure I finalize the renovation that is going on. I am also planning to spend the remaining amount to purchase goats and invest in my future.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means building a spacious house for me. My wife passed away five years ago and I am disabled. My legs are weak that I can not walk well. I have two sons and they all live at Mombasa and they rarely come home. I have no house it is just a shade. Rain and wind really affect me. I will build a house at a cost of KES.70000. I will also use KES.50000 to buy goats as investment. The remaining KES 10000 will be used for food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month, I got a job from my neighbor and earned KES 5000. The money helped me buy food which has taken me one month now. I also bought clean water using that money. The money I received brought happiness to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of job is the current challenge I am facing. It is hard to find job due to my disability. This has made me go without food and sometimes take one meal in a day. My children rarely give me food.
