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?
The moment I received my transfer, I was on my way from the shopping centre where I had gone for an errand. Then suddenly I heard my phone ringing, Upon checking I realised that I had received a sum of KES 55,000 from Segovia technology. I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness because this meant that I would be able to accomplish the goals that I had in plastering my house. I then broke the good news to my wife who was extremely grateful and happy. Finally, we embarked on planning how we would utilise the money. We are indeed grateful for the support that lifted our living standard amazingly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am a happy man knowing that I was able to accomplish so much in a short span. My life has been lifted amazingly a step further. The biggest difference in my life today is that I was able to pay back a debt. In that, I had acquired a piece of land though I was unable to pay for it fully due to an unreliable source of income. I am glad that I will not be required to sell any of my cows or properties to offset the debt. I am forever grateful for the support that lifted my living standard amazingly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon the receipt of my initial transfer, I opted to use my transfer in plastering the floor of my house. This is because I was unable to do the finishing before due to financial constraints. I am a Boda Boda taxi rider, married and blessed with three children. Therefore, I used KES 30,000 on the plastering of the house. I then used KES 20,000 on paying for a parcel of land that I had acquired before but I did not complete the payment. Lastly, I used the remaining KES 5000 on buying clothes for my children. I am grateful for the support that lifted my living standard to a better one in society.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
3 months ago, I identified 0.3 acres of land for sale in the neighbourhood that I committed myself to by paying KES 75000 instantly. Unfortunately, I still have a balance of KES 20000 that I wish to complete paying. However, financial constraints have not allowed me to since I solely depend on all the profits from the hotel business to support my family of 5. When I receive these transfers, I intend to clear the balance and I will be glad that my cattle will have sufficient grazing land hence efficient milk production for the family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In my village, we always have a monthly merry go round to support the livelihood of each other. I was excited when my turn came in February 2022 and I was able to get KES 53000 that I gave to a shylock to earn interest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Although human beings cannot live without debt, I am an exceptional case. My tremendous fear is owing someone a huge amount of money such as KES 20000. From the 0.3 acres of land I purchased 3 months ago, I have a balance of KES 20000 that keeps on bothering me since the owner has been frequenting my home demanding his pay. It pains me that the due date is approaching yet I have not been able to save to complete this payment and this might break our relationship.
