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 exactly 7 AM when I was cleaning my compound then my phone started ringing so loudly. I was so curious and decided to check who it might be. Upon checking, I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with joy and up to date I just see it as a dream to me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before the coming of GiveDirectly, my life was so miserable. I was sheltering in a small house that was in poor condition and later it collapsed. I had to seek shelter from friends every now and then. Some of my family members sed to sleep under some tress because it reached a point whereby they were like a burden to the relatives. Due to this, after receiving my first transfer, I had to construct a new spacious decent house. We are now living happily and no longer have to worry about the issue of shelter courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying some building materials which include, iron sheets, building poles, timber, and nails. This was for the construction of a new house since my house had collapsed four months ago. I then saved KES 10000, for my children as their school fees once they resume their studies. The money that had remained, I am using in buying sufficient foodstuffs for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house collapsed over a year ago due to heavy rainfalls. Since then I have never been able to construct a new one because I do not have enough money. This has forced me to seek shelter in my younger cousin's house something that is abominable in our culture. This situation has triggered the desire to my own build a house. Therefore, receiving this transfer means my dream of owning a good shelter will come true.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is at night when I am retiring to bed. I cherish this time because I get enough rest as well as replenish my lost energy. The sleep also helps to ease my chest pain and I wake up relaxed.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest hardship is poor health which has made me unable to work productively. This is characterized by acute asthma and severe chest pains which attacked me over 10 years ago. I believe this condition was caused by my job of mining bricks because I inhaled excess dust and it is labour intensive. Currently, I depend on subsistence farming and I really suffer financial crisis because I have a family to fend for. Maybe my wife could have helped but she is no more.
