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 at night before having had our supper when I received the SMS confirming that I have received the money from GiveDirectly. I was so grateful when I received the money because I had so many things that I wanted to address, especially building a bigger and better house for my family and through this money, I got the ability to do that.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is that I am about to have a bigger and better house which is something that wasn't as possible before. We now have a bed and mattress, we sleep comfortably. We have regular decent meals, all thanks to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 34800 on building a bigger and better house for my family because the one we have been living in is so small and in a very poor condition, and which is a constant threat to our safety as it seems like it is going to collapse anytime. I will be so happy when this house is completed because it something that I have wished and desired to have for so long, which was only made possible by GiveDirectly. I am so grateful.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a spacious house for my family. This is because I am currently living in a small house that does not offer privacy. I am planning to build a two roomed house which will cost KES 60,000. This will enable me to have an extra room to accommodate my visitors. I will use the balance of the second transfer to clear school fees for my child who is in form three as well as catering for other basic needs such as food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month I received a relief food donation from the area chief who informed us that it is assistance from the National government. I received 5kgs of maize and 2 kgs of beans which lasted my family for 4 days. This brought joy and happiness because I was relieved of the burden to look for food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is a lack of money. My husband and I depend on casual jobs of charcoal production which earn us KES 2400 per month which is not sustainable for a family of 6. In a day I need KES 300 to feed my children which is hard to get on a daily basis. Due to this, it has been extremely difficult to put food on the table. Sometimes we spend the whole day without eating because the little income I get cannot buy enough food. This forces me to borrow from relatives which is shameful.
