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 taking dinner with my daughter-in-law while narrating stories to each other when I received two consecutive messages on my phone. I was very anxious to know the content of the messages since it was unusual to get such messages at that time. I had to stop eating and handed over the phone to her. After confirmation, she informed me that I had received the transfer from GiveDirectly. It was such a joyful evening after receiving the transfer that I had awaited to improve my living standards.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Being able to start goat rearing as an investment for the future is the biggest difference in my life. This has increased my confidence in facing financial change since I have something to rely on unlike before. In addition, I am currently enjoying my nights with the grandchildren after acquiring proper bedding.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had desired to start livestock rearing like others in the village since the crop farming that I was depending on was unsustainable. This was brought about by the constant drought conditions for over 5 years now. I spent my transfer to start the goat keeping by purchasing 3 goats for KES 12,000. This is a long-term investment for the family which helps us whenever I encounter a financial challenge. In addition, I used KES 12,500 to purchase a modern bed and mattress since I was using a small, old bed which was not enough to serve the 2 grandchildren and me. In addition, I spent half of the remaining amount to repair my house which was collapsing on one side. Also, I used KES 7,900 to purchase a solar lighting system for the house. Before, I was using a small lamp to light the house which could not give ample light.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a temporary peasant farmer growing maize and peas for my household consumption. Due to the dry weather conditions in our area, farming is no longer productive for me. I have desired to practice livestock farming, but due to lack of money, I have been struggling to achieve my dream. With this money, I can comfortably buy 10 goats for KES 30000. Goats farming is better especially in semi-arid regions compared to keeping cows. Therefore, receiving this money will mean a reliable source of income for me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last week, we received food from the Government. I was one of the beneficiaries whereby I was given 20 kilograms of maize flour. I still have stock and I have not been skipping meals for the last one week. This really brought joy in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge that I am currently facing is food insecurity. This has been made worse by the ongoing drought in our area. I am a peasant farmer but due to the dry weather conditions in our areas farming is no longer productive for me. Due to this, I have been struggling to provide food for my household. I now depend on my relatives to feed me since I can not engage in casual jobs due to my old age of 72 years. This has ashamed me for a long since I have turned into a laughing stock in the community.
