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?
That afternoon, I was in Nakuru, getting ready for my night shift as a security guard. Around 3 pm, I received a message on my phone, and when I checked it, I was overjoyed to see the money had come through. I couldn’t believe it at first. My mind immediately went to my kids at home, who were really struggling. They had a bed, but it was in terrible condition, full of bedbugs, and they didn't even have a proper mattress to sleep on. I was so happy because now, finally, I could give them a good place to rest.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the cash transfer, life was tough because my children were suffering from sleeping on a bed and mattress full of bedbugs, making their nights very uncomfortable. It was hard for me to get a new bed and mattress, and seeing them struggle hurt me. After getting the money, I was able to buy a new bed and mattress, and now my kids sleep peacefully without being disturbed by bedbugs. This has made a huge difference in our home, and my children are much happier. I no longer have the stress of worrying about their sleep, and I can now focus on other priorities for the family. Life feels more manageable, and there is more peace in our home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I got the money, I immediately knew what my priorities were. My children had been struggling to sleep comfortably because their bed and mattress were infested with bedbugs, making their nights unbearable. So, I used $90 to buy a new bed and mattress. It brought me great joy knowing they would finally sleep in peace. Furthermore, I spent $60 on food because, at home, we had nothing to eat, and buying food and milk from the shops was becoming too expensive. My family depends on me to provide, but my salary is too small to meet all our needs. In addition to the bed and food, I used the remaining amount to buy utensils. We had been displaced by floods, and the water destroyed everything we had in the house, leaving us with very little. It was a big relief to finally have basic things like plates and cooking items again. My wife stays at home to take care of our two children, so providing for the family rests entirely on my shoulders. The money helped me cover the essential needs we had been struggling with for a long time. Life had been very difficult for us, especially after the floods took everything. Being able to buy what we desperately needed felt like a huge burden had been lifted. My children are now sleeping soundly, and we have food in the house again. It may not seem like much, but for us, it has made all the difference.
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access_time 2 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have been facing financial struggles in providing for my family's daily needs, as well as in securing a piece of land where I can establish a home and begin livestock farming. My immediate priority, once I receive the first funds, will be to purchase food, clothing, and other essentials for my family. My long-term plan is to ensure my family's security by acquiring land. With the final transfers, I intend to invest in livestock and poultry farming, as goats and sheep are highly profitable in my area, which will help secure our future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am deeply thankful to God for my family's well-being, as they remain in good health despite the financial challenges we face. I had to relocate from town in search of employment to ensure I could meet their basic needs. My greatest joy is seeing them healthy and thriving each time I return home from work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The primary challenge Iam currently grappling with is the lack of financial resources to secure a piece of land for my family. We were displaced by the rising waters of Lake Baringo two years ago, and due to limited means, we had no choice but to temporarily borrow a small parcel of land. Unfortunately, this arrangement has left us in a precarious situation, as we are unable to undertake any meaningful development on the land because it does not belong to us. The uncertainty and lack of permanence have made our living conditions uncomfortable and challenging.
