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 9am when I was resting at home from making charcoals in the field when I received a message in my phone. This message relieved me and I felt energized, it was a transfer message from GiveDirectly who had sent me KES 55000.00. I jumped up and down while dancing in happiness.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially the main source of income was making and selling charcoal which is an exhaustive job. Due to the bad state of the house, some dogs used to come and damage food items. But as at now I am living like other human beings. I have a house and my items are now safe from the dogs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the money, the first thing I thought of was a good house. The one I was living in collapsed half way so I have been risking by using the other part. Therefore, I used KES 38000.00 and set up another house. I also bought a solar panel for lighting purposes for KES 5000.00. Later on, I used KES 6000.00 to repair my motorbike which is used for business. Thereafter, I bought school uniform for my 2 lower primary school children. For the remaining amount, I bought some food and saved the rest for family food and other emergencies.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better house for my family. I am living in a one bed room house which is small and has a leaking roof. I plan to spend KES 30,000 to build a decent two roomed house. The remaining amount will use it to clear an outstanding balance of school fees so that I get my leaving certificate which had remained there for five years now. Besides I will purchase five indigenous goats so as to have assets that will help me in future when in need.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last week on 4th of October, I received a food donation from Tungule Foundation. I received forty Kilograms of maize, beans ten kilograms and four packets of maize flour(kgs) which will last my family of four members for one month. This has brought me joy and happiness because I will now use my savings for other basic needs such as water which sells at KES 50 per jerican of twenty litres.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is lack of a decent house. My husband and I rely on charcoal production which earns us KES 3600 per month which is not enough to meet all basic needs. Due to this, I am struggling to save sufficient money to construct a specious house as well as providing food for my children. Consequently, l am forced to ask for accommodation from relatives when I hist visitors, something that is shameful.
