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 on the farm planting maize for my household consumption. This requires me to wake up early before we experience the hot sun. At around 8 am we returned home to take breakfast before engaging in other chores. My helper come to my house running informing me that I had received my transfer from GiveDirectly. I was very happy for receiving our transfer we jointly celebrate and thank God for the opportunity.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Seeing my child studying without any interruption gives me hope for a better tomorrow. Through him, we will be able to transform our lives for the better once he completes his course. I am illiterate and I have invested most of my resources in my kid's education. In addition, I am optimistic that I will be able to stay in a better and spacious shelter something that will strengthen the bond of the family by bringing us together under one roof.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to purchase 18 iron sheets at KES 950 each, building pole and nails. This was for the construction of a new house for my family since the one I had was very small to accommodate all my family members. My 3 daughters were forced to seek shelter from our neighbors every night something that has always kept me worried about their safety. This is because they had to walk at night to our neighbor's house. In addition, I used KES 12000 to pay part of the school fees for my second-born son who is in college taking a tailoring course. The remaining amount assisted me in acquiring enough food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a decent house for my household. Currently, I am living in a small, leaking and it's on the verge of collapsing. I am planning to spend my entire first transfer to construct a two-bedroom semi-permanent house, that is spacious enough to accommodate my family of 7. With my second transfer, I am planning to spend KES 30000 to buy 10 goats that will act as a long-term investment project for my family. The remaining amount of my transfer will cater to other household needs like food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is because during this time of the day, I am back home from my charcoal work and I have ample time to rest and reunite with my holy family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. This is because I am a charcoal burner, a very tiresome and time-consuming job. This earns me KES 500 per week which can not fully support all household needs. The amount is entirely spent on food.
