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 early morning when I woke up and heard some family members that they had received their first transfers from GiveDirectly. I curiously contacted my helper to confirm from my phone if I had also received mine. Happiness engulfed my heart after the confirmation that I had also got the money and it was in my account.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Sincerely speaking, if it were not for GiveDirectly, my house would have collapsed. I am very grateful since through GiveDirectly I was able to solve a housing problem that would have taken ages to be resolved. Again, I am taking a break from the tiring job of cuttings logs and making charcoals. Since the time I received the transfer, I have been resting and hence gained some weight because I eat well without straining so much.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I knew that I was going to receive money, I planned prior on how to utilize the cash. The first thing was to get a bed and a mattress because I used to sleep on the floor. the mattress cost was KES 5000.00 while the bed was KES 2500.00 since I had my timbers. I also paid KES 5000.00 for school fees for my grandchildren. Since my roof house was collapsing, I opted to do some renovation which cost KES19500.00. Having done that, I kept the remaining amount for the family's upkeep.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We have just moved into our new house we built from July last year when what we had previously got blown away by wind the second time. Due to inadequacy of funds, we recycled roofing each time and right now the whole roof is made up of worn out pieces of iron sheets that leaks terribly. This money I bet will warrant me a proper shelter as I have plans to renovate my house. I will start with the walls and build a concrete skirting around for reinforcement as well as concrete pillers at the corners. This might cost upwards of 50000 KES. I will be very happy when this gets to fruition and I finally have a proper home that can accommodate us with our four children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Even though I ear very little amount of money; 14000 KES as the only family income, I'm happy I have that. In this area life has gotten really expensive and we have to pay school fees of around 1200 KES for each child as well as spend money to get basic things like water and vegetables. I still just feels happy I even have income.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of reliable sources of income still cripples every project I try to undertake. I'm a mother of four living with my husband and children. To feed my family for a day I need about 500 KES but I only earn 4000 KES monthly from my job as a herdsman. My husband on the hand works at manganese mines in the next village earning 10000 KES monthly. This isn't enough to cover all our needs and still afford education for our children. It so sad to be slaving around the clock but still can't properly afford life.
