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 9 AM when I was preparing my children to go to school when my mobile phone started to ring so loudly. I ignored it since I knew they were common messages I have been receiving from Safaricom. A few moments later, another message popped in. I was curious and that is when decided to check who it was. I was so shocked and happy after realizing that I had received my first transfer from the GiveDirectly. I could contain my joy and after sharing the news with the rest of my family they all started to celebrate.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I now have a decent spacious house. Previously, I used to shelter under a very small house that was in critical condition. I have been married for over twenty years and blessed with six children. Unfortunately for all those years, my kids used to sleep at their grandmother's house which was small as well. I never experienced the joy of sheltering under one roof with all my kids. Also during the rainy season, it was stressful since the house could leak excessively and all I could do was squeeze in one corner of the house. We did not have any alternative because of the financial hardships we have been through. My spouse has been the breadwinner who relies on the charcoal business which was not profitable. Sometimes getting the daily bread was a challenge. Therefore after receiving the transfers, I had to prioritize the house and I am grateful it was a success. I have finally been able to shelter all my children under one roof which has been my dream.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on paying for school gets for my two children, one in secondary and college respectively at a total of KES 25000. In addition, I bought twenty pieces of iron sheets at KES 14000, building poles and nails at KES 1400. This was for the construction of a new house because the previous one was in critical condition and all my children have been sleeping at their grandmother's house. Also, I bought two goats at KES 6000 which are the assets that I am now depending on. Lastly, I bought new school informs for my children and sufficient foodstuff that could sustain us for a while.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I live in a house which according to our tradition, it's not good to stay with your adolescent children. The roof of the house is also porous which leaks even small drops of rain. Therefore, I plan to use my transfer to put up three roomed house where I will be able to accommodate my adolescent girls and separately. This house will cost 40000KES.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My first born Faith sidi karisa completed secondary school in 2019. I have been struggling to make sure she join college but all were in vain. This year in June world vision came and offered to pay for her tuition fees. This came as a surprise and God's sent Angels because it completely gave me a huge relief.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
School fees. I have three children who are in school. One is in college, the other one in form four and the other one in form two. The school fees per year is almost 60000KES for all of my children. This has been a great problem for me since our only source of income is charcoal making. This business is unreliable sometimes earning us 3000KES a month. With all our expenses, this amount is not enough to even take care of 50% of our needs.
