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 one of those days that I woke up early in the morning at exactly 7 Am when I realised that there was a message notification on my phone. I was so curious and decided to check who it was. I was amazed when I confirmed that I had received my first cash transfer. I was so certain that I was going to meet most of my family's basic needs that I have been lacking.
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 very spacious permanent spacious house. My house had collapsed a few years ago and I had to sort myself by constructing a temporary shelter since I could not afford to buy the materials. Being a bachelor who depends on low-paying jobs it would take years for me to build another house using my money. People used to call me names because of my situation which lowered my self-esteem. I was hopeless and never thought that I would sleep in a decent environment like the rest. I am now a happy man and from the look of things, I am even planning to search for a partner since they all denied my proposal because of my condition. GiveDirectly has for sure restored joy and hope and I will forever be grateful for that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 15600 of my first cash transfer on buying the following building materials; iron sheets, building poles, nails and threads. I purchased all these with an ain of constricting a decent house since the previous one had collapsed. I was therefore forced to construct a temporary small hut made of nylons whereby I used to experience so many challenges such as being attacked by harmful animals, and poor weather among others. Additionally, I bought a solar panel which has been of help to me especially because I used to stay in the dark lot every night since I couldn't afford to buy candles. Additionally, I cleared a debt of 4800 to a friend and I now have peace of mind. With the remaining amount of money, I have been buying foodstuff for my family and other household items.
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access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
The first and major ambition that I have been yearning for a while now is to have a decent house. Receiving the transfers will enable me to realise it. This is because I am planning to spend KES 80,000 to construct a two-bedroom house and purchase bedding. I will also buy five indigenous goats which do well in our area due to the prolonged drought which has made crop production to be unreliable. As they multiply, I will sell them at a profit and use the proceeds for necessities in my household. Once I accomplish this long-awaited dream, I will be extremely delighted because I will be living a life with dignity and earning respect in the community.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I remember very well the second week of March this year when my younger sister who was married in a neighboring village sent me 6 jerricans(lts). It brought joy and happiness to me because it reduces the pressure of worrying about it. Besides, I saved over KES 700 for a week that I could have occurred for water only.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been relying on charcoal production as a source of income for over ten years now. The jobs is labor-intensive and there is no longer big trees to ensure that you will have quality charcoal. Due to this, It is very difficult to sell them at a good price. A sac that fetches KES 500 goes at KES 350. In a month I can make KES 3200 while I require KES 400 for food and water due to drought. Sometimes, I don't cook because I lack water. Hence, lack of money is the main challenge that I am currently facing.
