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 my home cleaning my compound before I could start the other regular household activities. My grandchild came and informed me that the GiveDirectly money are out and I should confirm on my mpesa account. I handed over my phone to her and after verifying it she informed me that I had received the transfer. I was filled with joy in my heart for receiving my transfer, I told her to prepare to go and withdraw the cash since I had already planned on how to spend it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life is that I am currently owning some livestock which is a long-term investment for me. I will sell them to assist me whenever I face financial challenges. In addition, I am happily spending my night comfortable on proper bedding.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 25,000 to start goat rearing by purchasing 8 goats. This is a long-term investment that will help me whenever I face any financial challenge. Before, I was depending on crop farming which currently is not doing well over the last three years because of the persistent drought in our area. In addition, I spent KES 10,000 to purchase a bed and mattress since I was using a traditional bed and old rags as beddings that require constant maintenance as I had to change new threads every 2 months which was expensive. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to repair my house which was collapsing on the walls.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am an old widow who has no more energy to engage actively in economic activities. The only thing I depend on is farming. However, due to the persistent drought, I cannot engage in any agricultural activity. This is because, the only means for survival is charcoal burning. I am now left at the mercy of my children to buy floor for me then I cook my food. My ambition is to start livestock keeping. Upon receiving the cash transfer, I will be able to buy 20 goats that I will keep and sell when they multiply. The total cost for this is 60000 KES. I will then use the remaining amount to renovated my house and buy a bed and a mattress.
What is the happiest part of your day?
For the last one month, I have not been sick. Unlike the other days, a month could not pass without me falling sick. This has brought a lot of hope and joy in me because I feel at peace and can afford to smile like other people in the compound.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My poor health is the main challenge that I am facing. My right ear has been giving me sleepless nights. Sometimes I experience a lot of pain that I feel like screaming. When this happens, I cannot hear anything at all. I have tried to seek medical attention but due to lack of enough money, I have not received proper medication. Upon receiving the cash transfer, I will use part of the money to seek medical attention so that I can restore my health.
