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?
I was at home relaxing with my husband after a long day of toiling to provide for our children. When the message popped, I gave my husband the photo confirm what the message was all about and he told me that I had received the transfers. We were very happy as we sat down to discuss how we were going to spend the transfers.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My kids now sleep comfortably comfortably compared to previous days when they used to sleep on the floor. I also have a cow and I'm hopeful that it will multiply and I will an investment to count on.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Both my husband and I are casual labourers and it hasn't been easy providing for our six children and paying school fees for three school going because jobs are become scarce and the wages has also gone down. The mattresses and clothes that we had bought our kids during the good days were torn and we couldn't afford to replace them. I also wanted to buy livestock as an investment that I can count on Incase I lack finances to pay school fees for my kids in future and all these influenced my spending. I spend 13500 KES to buy two beds and mattresses, 12000 KES to buy a cow, 3700 KES to buy a sack of maize and I'm planning to spend the balance to buy clothes for ourselves and our kids and cater for other basic needs.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have 4 children in school and paying their school fees has been an uphill task. I have arrears amounting to KES 10,000 which I plan to clear when I receive this money then pay another KES 10,000 ahead. One of my child is currently at home due to the school fees balance. Secondly, I will use KES 30,000 to build a house for my children. My children are growing fast and the elder ones will need a room of their own for privacy. Receiving this money therefore means a better life for my children.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last year was very tough for me because of the drought which dominated it. However, December came with good tidings since the rains showered. We had a reason to celebrate as a family. My husband bought chicken which we enjoyed the best meal of the year together as a family. We also had another celebration to welcome the new year together with the larger extended family. The festive season brought me a lot of joy. For a moment, I set aside my troubles to celebrate.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My biggest challenge is getting basic needs for my family. I have six children and providing food, clothing,shelter and education has been difficult due to little income. I depend on my spouse who gets money by tapping palm wine. The business does not earn us much because of the frequent droughts. It is seasonal. Personally, I depend on crop farming which is also unreliable due to lack of rains.
