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?
Early one morning, I left home for the water point and I didn’t carry my phone with me. When I returned home at around 8am, I saw an envelope like on the screen of my phone and I was wondering what it might be thinking that someone has tampered with the settings of my phone. I contacted my helper to see what it may be and to my surprise, it was a message that was received at around 6am from GiveDirectly stating that I have received a transfer of KES 55000.00. I was over excited since this was my 1st huge amount of money to receive from any source.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that, I am now walking as a freeman after settling the shopkeeper’s debt not as before when I was running up and down not knowing how I was going to settle the maize flour bill to the shopkeeper who was growing impatient with me. In addition to that, I am constructing my own house. This act has relieved me from the shame of living in my children house which was making all of us uncomfortable due to lack of privacy.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Since I was sleeping in my children house because mine collapsed, the first thing I thought of was constructing my house. In that regard, after withdrawing the money I bought 14 pieces of iron sheets for KES 12400.00 and some poles and rafters for KES 10000.00. I also took a child to hospital after falling sick and I spent KES 2000.00 for the medication. Due to the prolonged drought in our area, I used to take some maize flour at the nearby shop and the debt had grown to KES 3000.00, so I sorted that bill with the shopkeeper. For the remaining amount, I opted to save it for the construction costs.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I currently stay in my daughter's house. This has lowered my respect and dignity in this village.Therefore, I plan to use the money to put up my own house. I will use 35,000KES for a two roomed house. This will definitely revive my dignity and value as a mother.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My charcoal business. Although whatever I get is insufficient for my family needs, I thank God that sales are there after every week especially for the past six months.This has been my source of joy everyday.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food has been a problem to me due to the persistent drought we have experienced in this region. I have not been able to harvest anything for the last two years.
Water and sanitation have also been a big challenge. I normally drink unclean water and if I have to get clean water, I walk almost 10km to get it.
