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 a half past six in the evening and I was relaxing at home when I received the text message confirming that I have received the money from GiveDirectly. I was so happy when I got the money because I had started building my house but had had to stop halfway due to lack of enough money to complete it. I was so grateful because this money helped me make progress in building my house along with meeting other needs of my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is that I was able to make progress in as far as building my house is concerned, which actually means that I am about to upgrade to a much better and proper house than the one I've been living in before. All thanks to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 35000 on making some progress in building my house, in which I was able to complete the walls as well as reinforcing them with concrete pillars all round them. I did this because it was my top priority as I have been living in a makeshift house which is in a very poor condition that is not any different from sleeping out in the open especially when it rains at night. In addition to it being in a very poor condition, it was so small and already congested therefore my desire is to get a better and proper house.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I live in a 3M by 4M house which serves as both for dwelling and a kitchen. At my age, I need a well ventilated house with a separate kitchen.Receiving this money will help me construct this house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
What brought me happiness is having good health. I have been suffering from Arthritis for two years till about five months ago when I fully recovered. At least am able to walk comfortable.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The greatest challenge is lack of good housing. My son is jobless and has a family of 10 children. Though he started the construction of two bedroom house, it has stalled for two years now. The poles are invested by termites and are falling. Besides, I have had health problems, arthritis, till early this year when I did get medication.Currently, my chest aches especially during the nights. This is partially contributed by sleeping in a smoky house.
