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 4 pm when I received the Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was at home with my family members relaxing while conversing waiting for our dinner. My children verified my phone and informed me that I had received my transfer. I was very happy about receiving the transfer. We jointly celebrated and sang praises and wished well the organization for the transfer. We planned with my family members how to spend it before we could withdraw our transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Constructing a spacious house for my family is the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because we were residing in is small, grass-thatched, and leaks during the rainy season. In addition, my children were forced to seek shelter from neighbors which bothered me a lot. I am happy that I was able to build a big house that comfortably accommodates all my family members under one roof.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My priority was to take my two children who were sick for medical care. One had a stomach problem that causes her belly to swell. I also bought 24 iron sheets, nails, and timbers this was for the construction of a spacious house for my family of 7 members. The one we currently residing in is small, grass-thatched, and is leaking during the rainy season. I was worried that my households item would be destroyed since we are expecting short rains from April. I also support the educational needs of my 5 children by paying part of their school fees. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family since we are experiencing famine in our area.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means the accomplishment of my goals, I had built a two-roomed house but failed to finish it because I lacked the money to buy the rooftop materials. I will buy iron sheets, timber, and nails to finish my house so that I can stay at comfort. I have one child who finished his secondary education and he is still at home, I will enroll him at a technical school to pursue his dream career job. This will make him independent and also help me when in need. With he remaining amount I will buy chickens to rear and sell to my village people to gain revenue and cater for my needs such as medical care and food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In August 2020, my fourth-born conducted a wedding in my compound which was unique. They dressed in cultural attire which reminded me of what my mother used to wear, I was happy to get a new member for my family being sure my lineage will grow. This brought joy to me, being the first wedding in my village conducted uniquely manner.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My health status is the challenge I am currently facing. I have been on and off to private hospitals which are 20 kilometers from my village which cost KES 400 with a motorbike plus medical consultation fee amounting to KES 1500 per visit. I am unable to work because of my health status, my 5 children have to cultivate other people's lands and be paid to get food. I feel embarrassed to see my children working at a minor age to feed themselves.
