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?
As I was coming back home from fetching water, I saw my daughter quickly rushing toward me in so much excitement. When she got to where I was, she informed me that I had received funds from give directly. This caught me by surprise and in our jubilation, we both hurried in and got ready to go and withdraw the money. The very first thing I thought of was installing water in my compound and then buying food for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Ever since I got the funds from give directly, I feel my life has really improved. Especially, when I got to install water in my compound. Every day we needed 10 20-liter buckets and the place we would go to fetch the water is 20 minutes away and each bucket was sold at KES 5. This was hectic and costly. Additionally, because of the money, I now have enough food to feed my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For us to get water, we are forced to trek or even hire the services of a motorcyclist. This was costly and time-consuming. I, therefore, decided to resolve this by using KES 12000 from the cash transfer I received from give directly to install water in my compound. In addition to this, I settled the KES12400 fee arrears my two sons and grandchild had. I also bought my monthly dose of the ulcer condition I have. I then got to buy two goats and two chickens to improve my farming practices and finally, I bought a sack of maize using the remaining amount.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My son who completed his high school education three years ago could not join college because currently I do not have any reliable source of income as my husband who was the bread winner working as an administration police retired 15 years ago. Since then we have been through hard times even sometimes affording a meal a day becomes a problem. Upon receiving this transfer from GiveDirectly would mean I take my son to college where he would pursue a mechanical course. I am hopeful that when he graduates he will secure a job and provide for our family with basic needs such as food. I will spend 25000 KES on his education. I will also spend 15000 KES on renovating my house and the rest of the money will be spent on buying food and paying school fees for my child.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It was three months ago during the festive season when my sons working in the urban centres came home. They brought me some clothes and plenty of foodstuffs. We had a joint party as a family. It was an enjoyable moment among all members of the extended family as we celebrated together.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband and I were diagnosed with ulcers and high blood pressure three years ago. We have been in and out of hospital and this has drained our resources as most of the money we get goes to the medication. We currently can not afford better health care because of lack of reliable source of income as we only depend on our son who is a motorcycle rider within the village earning 300 KES per day.
