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 felt so happy the moment I received the money because it came as an opportunity for me to undertake and fulfil my plans which included a house, livestock and start a local food kiosk. Therefore, I was so happy when I got the money from GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is that I am so grateful because the financial assistance I received helped me a great deal. I got the house that I used to desire for so long, I also got livestock and started my local food kiosk business that together will keep me and my family going for a long time. I am so happy and grateful to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 30000 on building a house because I didn't have one before and we used to live in a makeshift house which was not any different from sleeping out in the open which was both uncomfortable and unhealthy. Therefore, I am now a very happy and proud owner of a better and more permanent house, all thanks to GiveDirectly. I also spent KES 12000 on buying four goats because I had desired for so long to have livestock, which is an investment that will live on and go on to help me address the financial challenges I will be facing in the future, especially in educating my children. Apart from that, I also spent KES 7000 on starting a local food kiosk business which will be my regular source of income to help me meet my family's immediate needs. I am so happy and grateful.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this transfer means good shelter for my family of 7 members. This has been my longing but due to financial instability this dream has never come to pass. Currently, we are staying in a small house which is not enough to accommodate us all, forcing my elder sons to seek shelter from neighbours, something that I find it wrong as a parent because the neighborhood family have to squeeze themselves for the sake of my children.It also leaks during rainy seasons. I am planning to spend KES 40,000 of the transfer to build a spacious house so that we live comfortable life. Other than that, I will invest the remaining amount on livestock keeping which will be a source of income because I can sell them at a profit price in future when they multiply.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Afternoon is my happiest part of the day. It is at this time when am energetic and I can perform my work of burning charcoal so that I can at least provide for my family needs such as food. Unlike in the evening when I am too tired.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At my age of 45 years, I still depend on burning charcoal. This job is very tiresome and earns me KES 300 per week. This amount is insufficient to sustain all my family needs such as shelter and food. This is the reason I have not managed to construct a spacious house since 1992. Therefore, securing a good job is the biggest hardship I have faced in my life.
