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 so happy the moment I received the money because I didn't have a house and desired so much to have one. Therefore, I was able to buy some iron sheets that were part of the materials I bought to build the house. I was so happy and grateful to GiveDirectly for enabling this dream come true.
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 no longer have to go to the forest and do the tiresome and tedious work of cutting down trees and burning charcoal. I also have a bigger and better house, which makes me so happy and proud, all thanks to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 30000 on materials and labor charges for building a bigger and better house for my whole extended family which includes my children and grandchildren, to live comfortably. I did this because I didn't have one for my own self let alone my extended family which used to make me feel so sad and unhappy as we used to live in makeshift houses. Therefore, I am now so happy and proud that I have my whole extended family under one roof and living happily and comfortably. This makes me so happy and proud. I also spent KES 10000 on buying goats because they are an investment and an occupation as well because it is now a substitute for the tiresome and tedious work of cutting trees and burning charcoal. These goats give me so much hope because I know that they will multiply and increase in numbers, which inturn I'll be able to sell one or two in the future and address the challenges I will be facing. I am so happy and grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have desired to invest in livestock because this is the only way I can save my money to earn a profit when I sell them after they multiple. Therefore, I intend to start with 10 goats that will cost me KES 30000 of my first transfer. I am also planning to spend KES 40000 of my transfer to expand my house because the one I have is not spacious to accommodate my family of 7. The remaining amount will cater for household expenses like food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am busy with my charcoal work, evening is more relaxed as I got to have good time with my family. This makes evening to be the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of sustainable source of income is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. I am unskilled person and getting a good job to sustain my family of 7 has been the greatest challenge to me. The only source of livelihood is charcoal burning a job that earns me KES 600 per week which I spend on food for my family.
