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 heard my phone ringing at around 7 pm. Though I never took it seriously because I thought that they were normal messages from the service providers. When my helper came in I told him to check out the messages since I am illiterate. I was overwhelmed with happiness when he broke the good news to me that I had received the transfer from GiveDirectly. It was the most memorable moment of my life and I would not forget it in a hurry. we then embarked on planning when we would utilise our transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning a dairy cow is the biggest dream that I never thought that I would have achieved in a short period. This is indeed a dream come true, I will no longer worry about buying milk daily but instead I would be making an income from selling the excess milk to our neighbours. I am contented and happy to have been financially empowered just like my neighbours.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a businesswoman specialising in selling fresh vegetables, I am a single mother of six children. Raising six children single handily has been the main challenge that I have been facing especially when it comes to paying for their fees. My income is little and whatever that I earn daily is spent on basic needs. Upon the receipt of my initial transfer, I thought of purchasing a dairy cow that would keep my money safe and also reduce the cost of buying milk. Therefore I used KES 37,000 on the cow. Additionally, I used the remaining amount on foodstuffs. I am so grateful for the support that amazingly lifted my living standard.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
It means starting to earn an income from keeping livestock. I will buy a cow at KES 40,000. I will then pay school fees for my children of about KES KES 50,000.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last six months, I am happy that my family members have decided to support me in educating my children. I have been struggling alone until last month when we met and they pledged to organise a fundraiser for them. It is a sign of good things for my children.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am a widower, relying on a small business that pays me about KES 100 per day. This amount is spent on food. It is barely enough for our daily needs.
