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 around 6 when I was just relaxing with my niece when I heard a message tone from my phone. I was a bit nervous and requested her to check who it was since I am illiterate. On reading the texts, she confirmed that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. They had finally honoured their promise. I was so excited and felt blessed for knowing that my dreams are achievable.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now have livestock ( a dairy cow and goats) that I am keeping in my compound. For so many years, I have been dreaming of owning them but because of financial constraints, this has never been achievable. These will now be the only assets that I can lean on in case of any emergency that may arise. Being a widow who depends on the charcoal business it has not been easy considering my age as well. On most of the days, I was not able to go to work as a result of the pains and fatigue and therefore I could lack basic needs like food. Also, the fact that I stay alone, was the toughest. Therefore I am now optimistic that once the cow starts producing milk, I will no longer have to struggle like before instead, I will be selling the milk in the nearby dairy shops and generating an income. I am thankful to GiveDirectly for making my dreams and wishes come true eventually.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a dairy cow and two goats which cost a total of KES 21000. I opted for them because they have numerous benefits as compared to other domestic animals. Also, their pastures are readily available in my village which is an assurance that they will thrive so well. Additionally, I bought a mattress at KES 5500 and a bed at KES 8000. For years, I have been sleeping on the floor and this has been affecting my spinal cord. I could barely perform any task most of the time. It is now a relief because I have been sleeping soundly and peacefully. Lastly, I spent the remaining amount of money to purchase foodstuffs for the family which is comprised of two.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means land ownership to me. I am a barren woman and due to my condition, my husband remarried a woman who can bear children for him. After the death of my spouse 20 years ago, my co-wife's children forced me to leave my matrimonial home, so I came back to my maternal home. My parents also died two years ago. I am now living with a lot of fear because my brothers might force me to leave at any time. This is because according to our culture a woman can not inherit anything from her maternal home. I now place to buy a small piece of land for around KES 40000 and then build a two-bed two bedrooms KES 35000. This will not only give me a place to call my own but also will grant me peace of mind.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In January this year, I received news about Givedirectly that they might also visit our village. This brought joy to my life because I knew that my desire of owning my place will be accomplished. I am now excited that very soon will be able to own a land courtesy of Givedirectly.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest challenge that I am currently facing. I am doing charcoal work. This job earns me as little as KES 1000- 1500 per month which is not enough to cater for all my needs. With the worries that I might be forced to leave where I am currently living, I have been stressed a lot since I lack money to buy my land.
