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 7:27 am and I was outside in the compound washing the utensils when suddenly my sister-in-law who was in the house called unto me and she told me that my phone had rung. I went in to check what it was all about. I took my phone and I saw that I had a new message. I opened it and I could not believe my eyes when I read that I had received KES 55000 that GiveDirectly had promised us. I was so happy on seeing this and I gave thanks to God since I now knew that I was going to be able to fulfill the plans that I had already made.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer has brought a big difference in my life. I got the things that I didn't have before, that is a cow and the plan to build another house is underway. I will no longer incur the cost of buying milk when the cow calves. The house that I will build will become the main house and the grass-thatched will be the kitchen. I am happy because I will have somewhere conducive that is free from smoke to welcome guests whenever they come visiting. I am now also sleeping well having bought new beddings. I have enough food to eat and new clothes to wear. Thank you so much GiveDirectly for everything.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 33000 of my recent transfer on buying a cow. I decided to buy the cow because we didn't have one to provide us with milk for our consumption. As a result, we used to incur the cost of buying some for our consumption. I also spent KES 17000 on buying 22 iron sheets. I bought the iron sheets because I am planning to build another house. I only have one grass-thatched house. It has always been my wish to build another house that is roofed with iron sheets and to buy a cow but I didn't have the large sum of money that is needed to do so. I am thus grateful to GiveDirectly for making the dream come true for me. With the remaining transfer amount, I spent it on buying beddings, that is, a mattress and some blankets. I also bought some clothes and a bag of maize for our consumption.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will enable me to acquire a piece of land and build a house in it. I was given a place to stay at home by my parents but I crave independence and having a place to farm since I do not have one. The land is yet to be subdivided amongst my brother and once each one is allocated his share, I will be left homeless hence the need of having my piece of land. Having a farm will enable me to grow crops such as beans that do well here and earn an income from selling them.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am grateful that I have fully recovered and I can do any job now. This has brought me joy because I can do casual jobs that enable me to earn money for food and other personal needs.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have had health issues for the last two years that had me bedridden and relied on the help of my family and my village. I had to quit a job that I used to do before and finding another one now is hard and therefore, the lack of a job and a source of income is my major challenge.
