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.
Owning to a permanent house is the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously I used to sleep under a small grass-thatched muddy hut that leaked a lot whenever it rained. Holes were all over the walls and I was always attacked by harmful insects. This was really hectic, apart from that, my children also could not do their school assignments because the house was not spacious enough. They had to study at my neighbor's house. We are now happy and safer because we are sleeping under a permanent iron-roofed house which is also well plastered. My children can now study comfortably without any difficulties.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was awakened by the loud vibration from the phone at around 6;30 am. I was a bit shocked, but then I decided to check who had sent the message at such an hour. I realized it was an mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and I immediately started to celebrate with my family. I went around waking them up because I couldn't contain the joy of receiving the good news.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer to buy a bed and a mattress. Since I was married I use to sleep on a traditional bed which was never comfortable. I was always complaining of backaches because of the discomfort from sleeping on this bed. Apart from that, I also bought a piece of land. I have a small farm and I had to lease from my friends so that I can get meaningful farm produce. it is now a relief to me since I will be saving the money that I used on leasing the farm with. I then bought a few building materials for the renovation of my house. Previously, I used to sleep in a semi-permanent which was small and stuffy due to poor ventilation. I spent the remaining amount of money to buy food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Subsistence farming is my only source of income but I do not own land to fully practice it. Every year I have to lease land and the maximum I can afford are 2 acres which go for 2000 shillings. I do not get enough produce thus I am facing food insecurity. I will therefore use part of this transfer to purchase land that I can claim fully ownership. This will help me to scale up farming. I will also add an extra room to my house because it is so small that it cannot accommodate visitors.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happier in the morning when I am busy with farm work. During this time I am so engaged and I focus on my crops. This is because I spend the rest of the day in my lonely house. Living in such an abandoned state depresses me so much.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a very lonely person since at my age I do not have anyone to take care of me. My children are busy fending for their families and the only person who could have supported me is my late daughter in law. I feel overwhelmed because I do not have enough strength to work anymore. I cannot manage my household chores and sometimes I even go without food because I do not have the strength to cook. This loneliness hurts me so much and I feel it is the biggest hardship.
