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 transfers I was so happy because I was sure I would build a new house which I had been yearning to own for so many years.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I was sleeping under a small hut with a leaking roof especially during the rainy seasons. This has been the toughest time and my family and we had to seek shelter from our neighbors which were so hectic. In had really been spring to have a decent house but I lack enough finances to construct one nor to repair the roof. Therefore, having my own semi-permanent spacious house has brought the biggest difference in my daily life since I no longer have to worry about the rains.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, nails, and timber. This was purposely for the construction of a new house since the previous one was a small round hut. I then paid labour worth KES 12000 as his labor charge. The amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to build a house for me and my children. Currently, I share a house with my co-wife and it has not been easy especially when making decisions, being the younger wife, my opinion is less valued. I will also purchase goats as financial security for future needs mostly my children's education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I work all day in my farm now that its the rainy season. Its tiring especially because we do it manually using a hoe yet its a big portion of land. However, I get to relax in the evening after a cold water bath and this makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Poor finances has been an impediment to our growth. Being a housewife only relying on farming and with a sick husband to care for, life has not been easy. Due to this, my first born had to drop out of school to be a house girl in Mombasa in order to earn extra income for the family. It saddens me that she had to cut short her studies.
