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 6pm when I had gone to pick my phone from a charging place when i saw a message on the phone. This message was received early but since the phone was off I was unable to get it immediately. Upon checking, it was the promised transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and relieved from the burdens of the house and family such as debts which I incurred during the dry season.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Initially, my life was at sixes and sevens, I was living in debts due to poverty and I did not have a house too. When I got the money from GiveDirectly my life changed. Currently I am a free man, I can walk freely and confidently around not as before when I was afraid of meeting people because of the debts I had. As of now, I cleared all the debts through the transfer from GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon withdrawing the money, I bought 22 pieces of iron sheets for KES 19660.00. The aim of buying these iron sheets was to build a house because I did not have a house. I bougt some building blocks for KES 16000.00. I also paid debts of KES 10000.00 to different shops where I was taking items on bills. Since I have a child who is in primary school, I paid KES 900.00 school fees for him. Thereafter my son fell sick and I used KES 3000.00 to carter for his medication.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am living in a single hooch for 10 years down the line. I am working as a casual labourer in the quarry to feed a family of 7 children and 2 grandchildren. I am earning KES 400 in a day which cannot sustain the needs of my house.I have been wondering how will a drastic change come in my life.I am living a life which I am not comfortable with.The first point which comes in my mind is to have a spacious house to live in; leaving alone that I have never enjoyed a breakfast for the last 6 months. I will use the first transfer to build 2 more rooms so that my family can sleep comfortably in their house. I will buy goats with the second transfer to keep as a family wealthy.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have never got anything which could have given me joy. I never celebrated Christmas or new year because I had no money.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest challenge in my house. The job I do at the quarry can take me 3 weeks without a pay.This gives me a challenge to have a stock of food in the house.. I am sleeping on a mat without a mattress and the house is very small. My oldest daughter sleeps at the neighbors house- Something which gives me a headache each and every day.
