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 while relaxing outside my house when I heard an SMS alert on my phone. On checking, my helper confirmed that I had received KES 55, 000. I was very happy and immediately we went to withdraw and bought food items like sour milk, beef and maize meal. That night I ate more than enough and overslept the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I received the transfers is the availability of adequate food. Nowadays, I eat four meals a day unlike before when I used to eat a meal a day. Through this, I have grown healthier, fatter, and happier.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon the arrival of my transfers, I spent KES 22,000 on building a 15 Ironsheets kitchen. This is because the earlier one was an old, worn-out, leaking grass-thatched roof with collapsing walls.
Secondly, I spent KES 500 on building a goat house because we used to sleep together with goats in the previous house.
Thirdly, I spent KES 3,000 on a bag of maize and KES 1,000 on millet. This will ensure I have adequate food until I get the next transfer.
In addition, I spent KES 5,000 on the latest clothing fashion and spent KES 4, 200 on beddings. Nowadays, I dress decently and sleep comfortably.
Last but not least, I spent KES 4,000 on eight plastic chairs that can sit comfortably and accommodate visitors.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security. I am old and no longer economically active. My children fend for me most of the time. This is something am not proud of since they also have their families to feed. I planted maize which is our stable food but has not reached maturity. So when I receive this transfer I will purchase food and other food items and for the remaining amount, I intend to buy a water tank. Our source of water is from the river but I no longer have the energy to go and fetch water and besides it is not safe for drinking. This tank will enable me to access clean drinking water.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My daughter gave me certified maize seeds and I planted them. They have matured and their yield is promising. This has brought joy and happiness into my life since I will have food of my own and my children can now focus on their families.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have become economically inactive and dependant on my children who also have their families to attend to. I have a few chickens that lay eggs where I sell to purchase food. Egg production is not consistent also due to the lack of feeds for the hens. An egg is sold at KES 10 and sometimes requires me to have a number of it to be sufficient to purchase a food item that may not be available. This is worrying me that my immunity might go down due to lack of food.
