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 12:30 AM when I was breastfeeding my baby when my cellphone started vibrating so loudly. I was eager to know who it could be since it was so unusual to receive a message at that particular time. On checking, I realized that it they were from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my transfers. I felt so happy and thankful for being one of the beneficiaries. I was so certain that I will finally build the permanent house that I have been longing to have.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have been married for over five years and my life has been full of sorrows all though. I have been sheltering under a temporary small house which could hardly accommodate all my family members. During the winter seasons, it was the worst of all because we could all squeeze ourselves into one corner of the house till the heavy downpours stops. My children were always sick as a result of the harsh climates, especially at night. I have been aspiring to at least renovate it but I couldn't afford it since the materials were very expensive. Being jobless, the little my spouse could earn was only enough for the daily meals and part of their school fees. This is evident that building the house using our cash would take years. I am now grateful because through the financial support I was able to build a permanent spacious house. We no longer have to worry about the rains and even the insecurity of our properties.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a huge portion of the first transfer on buying pieces of iron sheets at KES 22000, twelve bags of cement at KES 10000, sand, gravel, and bricks at KES 11000. Also, I gave the laborer KES 5000 as their charge. I had to prioritize the issue of housing since my previous one was just a temporary hut. During the rainy seasons, it was hectic because I had nowhere to go instead I was always rained on till dawn. Also, I bought a second-hand motorbike which has now been our source of income. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and other household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will help me get another source of income instead of depending on selling charcoal alone. I will invest in livestock farming where I will start by buying 5 goats. One goat costs around KES 3,000 and therefore my budget for this is estimated at KES 15,000. I will also use KES 5,000 to pay school fees for a whole term for my child.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My husband bought me a small solar panel a few months ago. I am now glad that I can light my house and charge my phone. My child can also study with comfort. Before that , I used a kerosene lamp which produced smoke and consumed kerosene which is an expense.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Depending solely on charcoal business has made it difficult to get enough income to satisfy the family's needs. This is because it is unreliable in the sense that we get little from the business and this is after very hard work. My husband transports charcoal to town, over 100 kilometers away using a motorcycle only to get KES 2,000 in a week. He comes home after two or three days hovering around town looking for customers.
