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.
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Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($359 USD)
access_time 8 days ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was just another evening, busy with chores around the house. As I was sweeping the floor, a message buzzed on my phone. Not being able to read, I turned to my husband, handing him the phone. When he confirmed the news of the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, my heart soared. I couldn't contain my joy; I let out a loud ululation, feeling a surge of happiness rush through me. The enormity of receiving such a significant amount of money for the first time overwhelmed me. It was like a blessing, a light shining in my life, promising a better tomorrow.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Life changed so much after that cash transfer came through. Before, I'd spend every waking moment burning charcoal just to make ends meet. But now, I can finally take a break without worrying that my family will go hungry. Resting wasn't an option before; it meant sacrificing our meals. But with this help, I can breathe a little easier. I have noticed a change in my health too. I'm not as tired all the time, and that feels like a miracle. My family has got food on the table, and I have got a chance to regain my strength.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the first transfer, the first thing I did was buy seven iron sheets to fix our rundown house. Spending $67 on those sheets might seem small, but it meant a lot to us. It was about satisfaction and a secure roof over our heads.
After that, I bought two mattresses. My three children and I had been sleeping on the hard floor for too long, and it took a toll on us. I spending $100 on the mattresses. The relief of finally having a good night's sleep was priceless. With another $100, I managed to clear some food bills and other expenses we had borrowed. I also saw it fit to spend $60 on a sack of maize to keep us fed and $80 on a second-hand bicycle. This bike was our ticket to easier water access during the dry season because the water points seemed too far away. As for the remaining amount, I saved it, knowing it would be our safety net in case of emergencies.
Enrolled
access_time 2 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of five members with three being children. The family lives in a one room house which lacks privacy and not spacious for the family. The house serves as the kitchen as well. My wife and I do casual jobs earning approximately $50 per month which caters for food and school fees. I will use $550 to build a two room house for the family. I will also use $550 to start a shop at home. The village has no shop so we travel long distances to get shop items. The market is good and I intend to make a profit of $20 per day . This will help me have a sustainable income for the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The community has been under drought and famine for the last four years. Early this year, we received rain and planted maize crops , we harvested approximately 5 bags of 90kg each which will sustain the family for 7 months. Food security brings happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Water shortage is the current challenge I am currently facing in life. The village has had a drought that has dried up water in the nearby waterpan. I used to use 30 minutes to and from the nearby water pan but currently I use 3hrs to and from the current water pan . This has affected my health because walking for along distance with a plastic of water on the head is tedious. I have headache almost every day when I go fetch water.
