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 exactly 8:30 am when I was preparing breakfast for my small kids before they went to school. They are required to go to school late because of the severe drought in our area. I had kept my phone in the bedroom while am busy preparing my kids for school. At around 8:30 am, I took my phone to the helper who usually checked it every morning before living for work. He informed me that there is a mpesa message on my phone indicating that I had received my transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy for receiving it and immediately informed my husband who was very happy too. We together celebrated that day for receiving our transfer.
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 happy residing in a comfortable and spacious two-roomed house with the family. I would not have achieved this without the aid. Previously, I was living in a small house that leaks a lot during rain season seasons. I was spending sleepless nights because of the poor conditions of my house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 45,000 to construct a decent shelter for my family this is because the one I had earlier was small, grass-thatched, and leaks during rainy seasons. I have desired to own a good house but due to our poverty level, we have not achieved this dream. My job of charcoal vending could not earn me enough income since I was earning utmost KES 700 per week, which I spent on food. I also used KES 2000 to clear the fee arrears for my child, I had not paid his fees for the past two terms. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family of 7 members to curb the famine we are experiencing.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a spacious house for my household. This is because I am living in a one-bedroom house which I share with my three grandchildren. I plan to spend Kshs.60,000 to build a two-bedroom house, I will also use Kshs.30,000 to buy two indigenous cows and an ox plough at Ksh.7,500.The remaining amount will help cater for other basic needs such as food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is because I get enough time to rest.Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours, When I wake up I do household chores and spend the whole day helping my husband cutting logs for charcoal burning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in my life is lack spacious house.I am a house wife and my husband rely on charcoal burning business which earns him very little at most Ksh2000 per month.Due to this, it has been difficult to save enough money to construct a big house.Sometimes when I host visitors I am forced to ask my neighbors to accommodate them which is embarrassing.
