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 10 am, I was at home relaxing after coming home from the forest where I had gone to prepare charcoal for sale. This is a very tiresome activity that left me exhausted. My helper come to my house to confirm on my phone if I had received the transfer since most of my relatives had received it. I felt extremely happy when he told me that I had received the transfer as well.
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 currently enjoying my nights, sleeping on proper modern bedding unlike before when I used to sleep on the floor. It was such a miserable experience since I always felt body pains after sleep.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 10,000 of my transfer to purchase proper bedding for my family. This is because I was sleeping on raised floor surface with rags as beddings which were not comfortable. In addition, I spent KES 7000 to purchase one high-bred Galla goat. This is my future investment which will assist me whenever I encounter financial problems. I also bought sufficient food for the family since we are encountering drought in our area. I also saved the remaining amount which will assist me whenever I encounter any financial emergency.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
In my community, having livestock is a sign of wealth. When people look at me they see a poor old woman which hurts a lot unfortunately there is nothing I can do about my situation now. Receiving this money will enable me to acquire fortune by buying many goats, this way I will gain people's respect in the village. I want to start by buying 10 goats @ 3000 each which will amount to 30,000 KES. Another plan that I have is to build a house for my last born. He lives in a structure that is almost collapsing due to the kind of materials used when putting it up. Putting up all the materials needed plus labor will cost me 30,000 then I will use the remaining amount to buy a bed and mattress for both of us that will amount to 20,000 KES and save the rest.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We started table banking three months ago which has helped me to take care of my needs and that of my youngest child since he is still under my roof. This has brought joy and happiness to my life since it has also helped me gain financial freedom and stop depending on my other children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My challenges are lack of money to achieve my plans and to buy livestock so I can also gain respect from my community members. It hurst when people look down on me because I lack wealth that I can show. This is very frustrating and stressful.
