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 in the field grazing goats, my phone was with the trustee. When I returned home, I heard my neighbors claiming to have received the transfer from GiveDirectly. I requested my trustee to verify if there is a message on phone from GiveDirectly. I was so excited when I was informed that I had received my transfer. I could not hold the joy that filled my heart, I start celebrating and thanking God for such an opportunity to change my life for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now self-dependent after receiving the transfer. I am now able to meet my needs without much effort. Previously, I was depending on my younger brother for almost everything. I am glad that through the transfer, I am able to meet my basic needs like food and clothing without depending on anyone.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My house was in a bad state due to its leaking rooftop. I had desired to replace the grass-thatch roof with a more permanent iron sheet one but I lack the financial capacity. After receiving the transfer, I prioritized it by purchasing building materials including 20 iron sheets, nails, and timbers for construction. I also used KES 10,000 to purchase new beddings since I was sleeping on the floor using old sacks which were not comfortable at all. In addition, I bought some pairs of clothes for myself. The remaining amount assisted me in purchasing sufficient food stock for the family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improving my living standard. I am a dumb and it is very hard to get a job. People do find it difficult offering me a job . That has made me fail to have a better house. I am living in a one bedroom house which is also the kitchen. Upon receiving this money, I will build two bed room house. This will cost me KES 50000. I will use KES 38000 to buy two oxen and a yoke so as to upscale my subsistence farming. This will help me cultivate all my 2 acre piece of land and harvest approximately 6 bags of maize each 90kg. This is enough food for the whole year. I will use the remaining amount to buy a dairy cow .
What is the happiest part of your day?
As a disabled person, I find it hard to have a specific time for my happiness. My happiness comes when somebody brings me food at my house. This can be either morning, afternoon or in the evening.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
When the long rain season failed on April 2021, it has been a challenge for me to get food since I have no job. The month of August has been very hard for me since I ate food through borrowing from neighbors. Some have mocked at me. That has been the biggest hardship I faced in life.
