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 biggest difference in your daily life.
I never thought that I would one-time own cows in my homestead. Livestock keeping to us is one of the most valued activities. Many people's living standards have improved as a result of owning livestock. There usually come in handy whenever an emergency arises. I, therefore, decided to buy two cows worth KES 30000 when I received my first transfer. I always feel good whenever I see them grazing in my compound. I am hopeful that they will reproduce and increase in number. This will make me wealthier as time goes by. Besides this, I will also be selling milk produced by them. This will earn me more cash hence improving my living standards. To me owning these cows is the biggest difference in my daily life.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the transfer notification early in that morning. Upon checking what it was all about, I realized that Give Directly had sent me KES 55000 in my Mpesa account. Honestly, I could not believe it at first that I had that much in my account. I felt happy. I even cancelled all plans for that day and decided to celebrate the good news with my family.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I have always wanted to own cows in my homestead but I never bought any because I could not afford to buy them. However, when I received my transfer, I bought two cows at KES 30000, I am currently keeping them so that they can reproduce and increase in number. I am planning to sell them in case an emergency arises. I will be able to sell the cows to raise more cash that will help me start different projects. I will also be benefiting from the milk that these cows will be producing, I can even sell some litres and earn some cash. I also bought a few pieces of iron sheets and building poles to construct an extension of my single room. My house was small and I needed more space to accommodate my children. I am spending the remaining amount to cater for my daily household basic needs such as foodstuffs and also in buying other important household items.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means I will be able to boost my income by purchasing two indigenous dairy cows to supply milk to buyers. I will also be able to sort out a 5000 shillings fee balance for my children, complete roofing my house by getting 10 iron sheets at 600 shillings each, purchase some 5 goats too at a cost of 3000 each while the rest of the money will go into savings.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I wake up at 5:30am to prepare my children for school and at 7am I set out to cut and collect trunks which I use to make charcoal for sale. I come back at noon to cook lunch and rest afterwards making it the happiest time of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My main source of income is charcoal which earns me 3 dollars per 25kg sack. In a month, I make about 10 sacks only due to shortage of trees and this limits my ability to meet all our financial needs. Amongst my 5 children, only 1 managed to complete primary school and is now a casual labourer in Mombasa for I could not afford to pay for his secondary education. For the other 4 still in school, only 1 has a complete set of uniform and a few books but I do not have the financial capacity to buy for the rest.
