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?
The moment I received the transfers was one of my best days ever. I was doing laundry as this seems to be my routine in the morning. I was expecting some little money from a friend whom I had worked for earlier. So I kept on checking the mpesa notification. The moment I got transfers from Give Directly I thought it was sent from a wrong number as I was expecting to receive only Kshs 550. I had to recheck and reconfirm if it was indeed meant for me. Later I confirmed from a friend who also received the same transfers and it was indeed a turning point in my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having built a house is a dream come true, sharing a house with my mum was not that comfortable, with my own house I have certain kinds of freedom in terms of decision making.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Lately I have been unwell, the transfers was of a blessing as I managed to seek medical attention, I used Kshs 30,000 for the medication and to pay for the tests that were required by the doctor. The drugs I use are quite expensive, on a daily basis, I use Kshs 500 for the drugs, which I would not have afforded were it not for the transfers.
Initially my house collapsed and I was staying at my mum's place. With the transfers, I managed to build a very neat two bedroom house worth Kshs 20,000.
I used the Kshs 5,000 on my daily use like buying food on a daily basis and any other emergency that needed quick action. I thank Give Directly for the transfers as my livelihood has positively changed since I started receiving the transfers.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have three children and we share the same single room. Receiving this money means privacy and comfort to me. I plan to build a three-roomed house and buy a bed and mattress. I have been sleeping on a roped bed all my life, I am happy I will have a chance of sleeping on a better bed with this money. I plan to buy 5 goats to rear as a future investment for my children. For the rest of the money, I will go for a medical check-up because I have been on and off to the hospital with my heart aching.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was admitted to the hospital for one month, but I thank God in December I was discharged to come back home after feeling well. Coming back home and meeting my people again gave me hope and joy in life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My health status is the current problem that is challenging me. I was diagnosed with heart disease and I had to be admitted for one month. The doctor instructed me not to work anymore, this left my husband to bear the burden of taking care of the family. I feel overwhelmed when my husband has not sent any money for food. How I wish I could be better soon and help my spouse.
