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 8 in the morning when I was washing the dishes when I heard a very loud and long vibration from my phone. I was a bit nervous and decided to focus on it. I was excited beyond measure after reading that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I had to recheck before informing the rest of the family members. They all couldnt believe it since no one thought it would happen anytime soon. Without wasting time, we had to sit down and planned on how we would utilize the cash appropriately.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have a stable business ( buying and selling firewood/charcoal). Preciously I used to depend on the low-paying jobs which were temporary and this has been affecting my entire. I could sometimes not afford to provide for my family's basic needs considering that my spouse has been jobless for years. Therefore sometimes my children could not attend their classes which has been demoralizing them and affecting their academic performance. I have been thinking of a long time solution and I am grateful that this is happening. I have been able to acquire a profit of KES 500 daily whereby fending for my family is no longer a struggle. I am not able to pay fees on time and settle all the bills without straining like before. I am thankful to God for the blessings and for bringing GD into my village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 15000 of my forst transfer on starting a business selling forwood and charcoal in the village and even in towns. This has been my long-time dream but I did not have any capital to finance it. I am so glad that I will be able to achieve a lot through the business. Also, I settled a debt of 15000 to a relative and I feel I now have peace of mind because I did not have any idea where I would generate the cash. I also bought two goats worthy of KES 7000, these are now the valuable assets that I will always lean on. I opted for them because they reproduce and mature very fast as compared to the other domestic animals. With the remaining amount of money, I bought foodstuffs that took us almost three weeks and decent clothes for my children.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I dropped out of secondary school in form three due to the effect of corona virus pandemic. While at home, I met my now husband who got me pregnant. I could not go back to school even after giving birth because of the school fees. In mind, I had a very big passion for hairdressing and cosmetic. In this village, I see a very good opportunity for those skills because with my born with knowledge I make money. Therefore, I intend to use my transfer to enroll in a college where I will be able to get these skills. By that, I will be in a good chance to create a source of income for myself and my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Regardless of the challenges am facing, my husband last month surprised me with a pair of shoes during the Valentine Day. It was 250KES but it was something very big and special for me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In this compound, my husband is almost considered to be the sole bread winner. His father is a polygamous and his two wives have like 15 children. All these depend entirely on my husband. For your information, my husband has no formal job but he is just a business person who sell charcoal and fire woods. So that situation has made us as family not being able to accomplish our goals. It's a very painful experience to walk around with torn clothes like a mad person. Sometimes my child get sick and there is no emergency fund because everything my husband makes goes to the needs of the entire family.
