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 heading to the farm with my grandson when my phone started vibrating continuously. This was so unusual and I was a bit shocked. I decided to check who it could be. When I checked its content, I could not believe what I saw because it was an Mpesa message from GIveDirectly indicating they had sent me the first transfers. I was extremely happy and I even went back home and celebrated with the rest.
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 now peaceful after building a decent house. I have been longing to construct a big house but due to my financial status, I could not afford it. The previous house that I was living in a very poor condition and whenever it rained we would be rained on. My family members never had peace since when it's time to sleep they were forced to sleep at my neighbor's house which was uncomfortable at times. But ever since I constructed this house, the problem is solved. I am so grateful for the support I got from this organization.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It has always been my desire to own a decent house when I received my first transfer the first goal was to build one. I spent a larger portion of my first transfer on buying building materials which include, iron sheets, building poles timber, and nails. I also paid KES 6000 for the labor. The previous one was very small and could not accommodate us all. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family that would take us a month's time.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I currently live a life of misery due to the fact that my house collapsed and I seek refuge from my relative's house. I always do not feel free living in a house that I have no full control over it and I have wished to build a decent iron-roofed house for myself once I receive the cash grant from GiveDirectly. I plan to spend my first transfer to construct the house and furnish it with a nice bed plus a mattress. This will give my life a standard that will be of respect in the village. My other plan is to invest in livestock keeping and I intend to spend $150 to buy 5 goats. The remaining amount will help me to sort out other basic needs like food, clothing and supporting my grand children's education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I always consider the evening as my happiest part of the day because it is at this time when I am able to relax from my day's farm activities. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I am required to work hard on my farm, a work that is very strenuous and makes me weaker.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a widow, I am responsible for the provision of my basic needs and this means working hard to meet them. Burning charcoal has been my job but due to the much deforestation, trees are no longer available something that has forced me to be desperate to an extent that I can not reconstruct my house due to lack of money. Therefore, financial constraints is my biggest hardship.
