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 the house with my husband and our small children relaxing after taking our breakfast before going to the forest for charcoal preparation. We had rain showers so I had to wait in the house till it stop raining. It was about 9 am when I received the message notification on my phone. I had to give the phone to my spouse whom discovered that it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. It was a happy moment in our family for the good news and we thank God for the opportunity.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that we can transport our charcoal to the market easily hence getting income for our daily basic needs. Previously, we had to eat one meal per day since my husband could spend a lot of time transporting the charcoal to the market before they are bought.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to start livestock rearing by purchasing 3 goats for KES 9300. This is a long-term investment for my family, we will be able to sell them whenever we face any financial crisis. In addition, I used KES 20,000 to acquire a brand new motorbike for my husband on hire purchase and the remaining amount to be paid on installment. It will assist us in the transportation of the charcoal to Mariakani town where he would sell them at a profit. Previously, he was transporting them using a bicycle which had mechanical problems and reaches the market late. Furthermore, I used KES 5000 to clear the fee arrears for my 6 children who are in primary school. For the remaining amount, I bought building poles to expand my house by constructing an additional room. The house that I had was very small to fully accommodate our family of 10 members.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a decent and a spacious house for my family of ten. I have a big family but I only manage to sleep under a one bedroom house together with my husband and all my children. This has really affected our privacy given that I am forced to share the room with my grown up children. Immediately I receive the transfer from GiveDirectly, I will use 400 dollars to construct a three bedroom house which will be enough for my entire family. This will assure me the privacy I desire plus I will be happy seeing my children sleep under a descent and furnished house. I will use the balance to buy goats. I live in a dry area where goats can survive without any challenges. I will later sell the goats to educate my children and attend to any need in my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. After the day's struggles, I take a rest in the evening and this makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life has been lack of a descent and a spacious house for my family. We share a single room something that is not desireble even in my culture.
