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 busy grassing my goats in the farmland when I had a message notification on my phone. I couldn't understand its contents and I had to return home for my helper to explain the message, Upon checking he realized that it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt very happy for receiving my transfer an opportunity to transform my life for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having a reliable source of income to support the family's needs like food and proper shelter is the biggest difference in my daily life. Currently, I can earn KES 1600 per week which makes my life easier and comfortable especially in putting food on the table. Formerly, I depend on charcoal burning which earns me KES 200 per day which could not fully support the basic needs of the family
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have desired to own a motorbike that will engage in the taxi driving to earn a living for the family. In addition, to help us in fetching water, at the moment I am forced to walk 4 hours to get this important resource. We decided to contribute KES 25000 each with my son for the purchase of a brand new motorbike on hire purchase. The taxi business is earn me an Income of KES 1600 per week, this money is enough to cater to the needs of my family like food. Previously, I was depending on charcoal burning which is laborious and has a lot of health problems. In addition, I bought proper clothing for everyone in the family because I was embarrassed see my children wearing worn out clothes. I utilized the remaining amount to acquire building materials like poles and timbers for KES 9000 they were for the construction of a new house because the one I own was collapsing.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means better health for my ailing husband. My husband was diagnosed with sight problems a few years ago. Since then, he has been struggling to see. I'll use the transfer from GiveDirectly to take him to a specialist in town. I'm planning to use the balance to buy two indigenous dairy cows for milk production. The milk produced will serve two purposes; for domestic consumption and for sale. The proceeds from selling the milk will be used to cater for the family's basic needs and my children's school fees. Seeing my husband regain his sight and seeing my children in school will make me happy.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. I have been going through a lot of hardship in life but still I afford a smile whenever I wake up in the morning alive and healthy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship in my life is lack of money to cater for my family's basic needs such as food. Things changed when my husband lost his sight and he was nolonger productive. I have been struggling with charcoal burning to sustain my family but still what I make isn't sustainable.
