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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the cash transfer, I had two major plans in mind. With four children in school—one in secondary and three in primary—I used $150 to pay their school fees. The exams were approaching, and I had been unable to settle their fees, so this money came at the perfect time to ensure they could continue their education without any interruptions. I then used $400 to buy 28 iron sheets, frames, and posts to begin constructing a new house. Our living situation had become dire since my previous house's roof had fallen off, forcing us to live in my son's small house. The construction is still incomplete as I ran out of money, but having started the project brings hope that soon we will have a more stable and spacious home. Though the house isn't finished yet, the materials are there, and I'm determined to complete it, giving my family a better place to live.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I can't express how grateful I am for the changes that have come into my life after receiving the transfers from GiveDirectly. One of the biggest differences is that I've been able to build a house with an iron roof. My previous house, which was roofed with palm leaves, collapsed about ten years ago, leaving me without a proper home for a long time. Since then, I had been staying with my son in his house, which was never an ideal situation for either of us. Now, thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, I finally have a house of my own that I am about to move into. I'm eagerly awaiting the second transfer, as it will allow me to complete the construction and make the house fully livable. Once I receive that, I will be able to move in and enjoy the comfort and security of my own home. This has truly been a life-changing experience for me, and I am so thankful for it.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was exactly 3:15 pm when I was cooking ugali at Dzikunze Primary School as I am a cook there. I then heard a message notification on my phone and I quickly checked it out of curiosity. I was overwhelmed with excitement upon seeing the message notifying me that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I walked outside to confirm the message, and indeed, it was true. I was alone at the time and didn't tell anyone, savoring the moment by myself. Immediately, my thoughts turned to my four children and how I could now pay their school fees. The sense of relief and joy was indescribable, knowing that this unconditional cash transfer would make such a significant difference in our lives.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Housing is the challenge I am currently facing in life. My house was demolished by rain some years back and since then I have been seeking shelter from outside the compound. I lack the capacity to build another house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My village has been under drought for quite long. This has caused famine thus making my family change our eating pattern. We used to take one meal per day. However, last year in October we received rain and planted maize crops on my two acre pieces of land and harvested 8 bags of maize each 90 kg. The food will sustain the family for the whole year. The harvest brought happiness in my life.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I have a family of seven members and I do casual jobs for survival. My husband works at Mombasa as a casual worker too making little income which caters for food and school fees. My house was brought down by heavy rains some years back making me seek shelter from neighbors. I will use $600 to build a two room house and equip it with bedding. I will also use $300 to clear school fees balances for my children who are both secondary and primary schools. The fees arrears have made my children miss classes thus affecting their performances.
