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 6pm when I was relaxing at home after a long day of hustling to get something to put on the table when I received a message in my phone. Since I do not know how to read, I contacted my helper for confirmation of the message. The helper confirmed that I had received the first GiveDirectly transfer of KES 55000.00. I danced in happiness for receiving such huge amount of money for the first time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before GiveDirectly came, I used to run up and down for me to get some food to put on the table, sometimes I had to sleep hungry if ends fail to meet. As at now I am grateful that I have access to food and my family is health not as before when they were skinny. Thank you GiveDirectly for the support you gave me, indeed I feel indebted by your act.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, the first thing I bought was a nice bed and a mattress and a sack of maize to ensure food security at home. I placed these as a priority because I was sleeping on a poor bed with rags as bedding. Thereafter, I paid school fees for my secondary school grandchild who was at home due to school fees. Looking at the cost of paraffin, I opted to buy a small solar panel so that it can provide us with some light at night. I also bought 4 goats and a cow so as to have some livestock at home.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am an old woman who did not get a chance to go to school but I understand that education is the key to success. Receiving this money means education to my grandchildren who are in secondary school. I intend to spend 60,000 shillings to clear all the fees arrears so that they can not be sent home to collect school fees. I believe that they will pass with flying colors and support me in the future. I will spend the remaining to practice livestock farming which will be a source of income for my family and purchase modern beddings because currently, I am using the local ones made from ropes which are uncomfortable.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Afternoon is my happiest part of the day. This is because I have enough time to rest and chat with my little grandchildren who are yet to join school. The laughter and stories enlighten my life. Unlike in the morning when I am too busy cultivating my land.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a reliable source of income is my biggest hardship I have faced in life. I am an elderly woman who depends on small substance farming in our village. The produces from my land are not enough for consumption use and selling in order to earn income so that I can meet my family needs such food and school fees.
