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 exactly 11 AM when I was doing laundry when I heard a message notification which was so unusual. I, therefore, asked my spouse to check it since he was seated next to the phone. Upon checking, he realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and shocked at the same time since I didn't expect them to fulfill their promise this soon. I couldn't contain my joy and I remember leaving whatever I was doing that morning and started celebrating together with all my family members.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life that I can proudly mention is the fact that I now have goats. I settled in rearing them in my homestead for some reasons which include; they normally reproduce twice a year and their offspring's mature faster, secondly, they can stay in any climatic condition and because my village is a semi-arid region I am certain that they will survive. Currently, one has started reproducing and thus is giving me hope that they will increase in number within a short period. My plan is when they multiply, I will be selling the offspring and save the money purposely for my children's education since they are still young by the time they will be joining the school I will be very ready to cater for their fees and all the stationery needed. I believe through this I will not have to strain because I have been jobless and only depend on my spouse to provide for all our basic needs. With a family of four, it hasn't been easy for him as well, therefore I feel this is the best project that will transform my life and my children's future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying building materials such as twenty pieces of iron sheets at KES 20000, building poles, nails, and timber at KES 10000, and the labor charge of KES 5000. I was planning to construct a new house since the previous one had some old roofing sheets. It was hectic and stressful whenever it rained since water could seep through and we would be forced to stand still till the rains stop. In addition, I bought three chickens at KES 1500 and two goats at KES 6000 and I am so glad that I now have living assets that I can rely on any time. Finally, with the remaining amount of money, I bought decent clothes for the Christmas celebrations and sufficient food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Tough economic times have seen me struggle a lot financially. Receiving this money means diversification of income for my family. My retail shop business is not doing well because I lack adequate cash to buy more stock. T.he prolonged drought has made things worse because farming is no longer reliable. I plan to spend KES 50,000 of the first transfer for restocking.I will also use KES 16,000 to purchase five indigenous goats as well as ten chickens of local breed.This will enable me to have assets that I can use when a financial need arises.
What is the happiest part of your day?
As a breast feeding mother I need to eat well so as to produce enough milk for my child. Despite the drought that has led to food and water scarcity in our area, I have still enjoyed good health. This has enable me to still feed my baby well, bringing joy and happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is water scarcity due to drought. It has been three years since we received sufficient rains. All the water pans that we rely on have dried up. I have to travelled for over five kilometres from my home to the nearest water point. Due to the long distance covered I have to forego other economic activities that contribute to household income. Sometimes, I have to I sleep without bathing so that I use the little available water for cooking only.
