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?
I was in my house relaxing while taking breakfast after completing my household chores. I heard continuous message alerts on my phone. Being illiterate, I called my helper to check the phone as it was his normal routine of checking and informing me about any message I would receive. I was surprised and happy at the same time when I was told that I had received my transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that am currently happy residing in a decent, comfortable, and more permanent house. I was able to renovate my house after constructing pillars. I am no longer worried and safe with my family members. Previously, my shelter was collapsing however, I lacked the finances to renovate it. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of my transfer to renovate my house which was about to collapse. I was always worried that it may fall anything rendering me homeless. After receiving my transfer, I spent my transfer to purchase 20 bags of cement, sand, and building stones. I also set aside KES 15,000 for payment labor charge. This was for the construction of strong pillars to make it more stable and permanent. I am also planning to spend some KES 10,000 amount to improve my goat rearing activities by acquiring 3 more goats. This is my future investment for my family that will support me whenever I face any financial crisis because I will be able to sell them at a profit.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means improved living standards in my household. I plan to achieve this by spending Kshs.20,000 to renovate my house. I will spend Ksh.18,000 to buy six goats at Ksh 3,000. I will also use part of the transfers to pay school fees for my two grandchildren who are in forms four and three. The remaining amount will help me to buy food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. This is because I go to my neighbors to chart and know about their well being.Unlike in the afternoon and evening hours, when I stay at home because my grandchildren are away at school while the neighbors are also busy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in my life is lack of regular income to meet my daily needs.This is because I depend on farming and it has been three years since we received adequate rain in our area.Due to this, I find it hard to save enough money that will help me cater for basic needs such as decent house and food and fees for my grand children.Sometimes, they are forced to stay home for long due to lack of school fees.
