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 7 AM when I was preparing breakfast for my children when a message tone came through my phone. Since I was busy, I did not bother to check who it was. Later on, another message popped in and I was a bit curious and decided to check. I realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. They had finally debited my first transfers as promised before. I was so happy and I remember leaving what I was doing and started celebrating together with my family members.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that through the transfers, I am now sleeping in a better place. I have been married for over six years and it has been so stressful all along. Together with my children, we have been sleeping on the floor which has been so hectic. We used to complain of back pains and we have been on and off to the hospitals as a result of the condition of the beddings. I had been wishing to at least own a mat but it wasn't achievable because they were expensive. Being jobless, my spouse has been the family breadwinner all along. The little that he got from the odd jobs was hardly enough to even put food on the table. With the five family members, it was not easy for him to save a little cash to upgrade the beddings. I am now grateful that, we are now sleeping comfortably. My family and I are all happy because were it not for the help I got from this organization, we would still be living a miserable life
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my forst transfer on buying a new wooden bed and a mattress at a total of KES 13000. I had to prioritize this becasue I had been having the desire to sleep in a better place but I could not afford it because of the financial constraints that I have been facing all that long. I later bought ten jerricans at KES 1000 and a plastic water tank ( 1400ltres) at KES 1500 respectively. In addition, I bought some household items like plastic chairs which have now replaced the old mats that I have been using, decent clothes, and utensils. I am now so happy because I no longer borrow those of my friends which was sometimes embarrassing. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family since it has also been a challenge.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security for my family. This is because, I have been surviving by looking after livestock for other people inorder to get food for my family.As a herdsman with a family of three,I only earn Ksh. 200 a day which is not enough to cater for my needs.With the support of this money, I will be able to purchase three cows at a cost of fifty thousand shillings.This will help me start a business of selling milk and earn me good money enough to put food on the table. I will also use some of the money to invest in my children education through buying more livestock and sell them during market days.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the evening. This is because this is the time I come back from the forest after looking after the livestock. This gives me joy as I get time to relax and have time with my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money is the biggest hardship in my life. Having a family of three and without a stable income, it becomes a challenge to cater for most of the basic needs of my family. This is because I depend on support from the people I take care of their livestock and sometimes it becomes hard to get enough to cater for my family.
