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 learned that I had received my first cash transfer at around 9 AM when I was having breakfast. I was so happy and shocked at the same time since it felt like a dream to receive such a huge amount of money that is nonrefundable. I had to call all my family members and shared with them the good news. They also couldn't believe it. It was a joyous morning for us and I remember saying a special prayer. Later on, we sat down as a family and started planning on how best we would utilize the cash.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life ever since I started receiving the cash transfer is that I now have a decent house. Initially, I used to shelter at my son's house because our house had collapsed two years ago. For all that time, I have been at peace because even in our culture it is taboo to sleep at your son's house especially when they are married. However, I did not have any alternative and I had to accept all the harsh rumors from the community. Also, my spouse and my other two children had to shelter in the neighboring village at our relatives' house. As a mother, it has been frustrating me for a while but because of the financial hardships that we have been undergoing as a family, I had to to humble. I am so happy that the story is now different since I was able to build my own house and currently we are currently under one roof. Also this has restored our peace and joy in life. I will forever be thankful to GiveDirectly for all the positives they have done into my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of the first transfer on buying some building materials which were as follows; the building poles at KES 5000, iron sheets at KES 5000, nails at KES 3000, the ropes at KES 2000, and the labor costs of a total of KES 3000. I had intended to build a new house because the current one had collapsed a few years ago and I was forced to shelter at my elder son's house which was also small. In addition, I started a new business (selling some vegetables such as tomatoes, kales, onion). I am grateful because at least for now, I have a reliable source of income. With the remaining percentage of money, I am using it to buy foodstuffs for my family and other household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am living in a borrowed house. This house was built by my son and it was meant for his wife but my house collapsed and I had to shift into this house. I have lived in this house for 3 years now and yet I have not been able to raise money to build a house for my family. Receiving this money means I Will build a 2 bedroom house for me , my husband and my 2 small sons who are still in primary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I got relief food of 5 kilograms of maize and 5 kilograms of beans. I enjoyed for 2 days and I was happy with my family for getting the 2 days food .
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am living in a small house with my husband and 2 children. I am lucking privacy because the house has only one room and the children are growing older now. It's hard even to undress my clothes in the house when the children are inside. We are facing drought in our area, there is no water and food. We are drinking salty water from a nearby borehole. Getting daily meals is also a problem because I have to do casual labour in order to eat. My husband is old and has lost eye sight meaning he cannot do any work but depends entirely on me.
