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 5 PM when I was having good moments with family when my phone vibrated continuously. Upon checking who it could be, I was so happy to confirm that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. We started celebrating and thanking God for the fortune. Later on, we had a discussion on we could use the money.
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 motorbike. We have been going through lots of hardships because I was the family breadwinner with very low wages. Raising the four children singlehandedly has never been easy on my side and I thought of having an asset that I would rely on any time. During those tough times, my children could be sent home for fees and they could stay for weeks also starve as well. God has finally answered my long-time prayer because, through the profits that I earn daily from the motorbike business, half of my problems are sorted. We no longer starve and all my children are now studying peacefully without any hiccups. My family and I are grateful to GiveDirectly for transforming our life positively.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my trust transfer on buying several pieces of iron sheets at KES 24700, building poles at KES 10000, and labor charges of KES 3000. This was for the construction of a new house because the previous one was in critical condition. During the rainy seasons, we used to seek shelter from my neighbor which was very frustrating and embarrassing. In addition to that, I bought a second-hand motorbike from a friend which was still in good condition. To add to that, I cleared school fees of KES 3000 for my two children who will be transitioning to secondary schools next year. With the remaining amount of money, I have been buying foodstuffs.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a decent house for me. The house am sleeping in currently is very small such that I have no space to keep my things. Sometimes I have to put my clothes or water cans outside which is very dangerous in here because you may wake up another day and find all the water is gone. Therefore, if I could be able to put up a two roomed house it will be a life changer to me as an elder in the society. I will be able to redeem my respect from my fellow elders and children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
During Christmas, as a family we used to buy meat from our neighbors who have slaughtered a cow. But in the recent one of 2021, I must it was different and nice because as a family we were able to slaughter our own goat and I really enjoyed it to see my children and grandchildren having fun.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I currently going through a burden of school fees in my house. I have my daughter and grandchild who are all in class six. My age is gone, I no longer have energy to do some hard activities that bring money like making charcoal. This situation has caused them to miss classes and even exams at times. Their performance have dropped and sometimes losing interest in going to school. It's a very sad scenario and experience as a parent.
