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 around 5pm when my helper came to informed me that transfer had been sent. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. It was one of the happiest days of my life. I knew I would be able to buy a dairy cow and cut the daily cost of buying milk which is so costly. We planned with my family members and went to withdrew the money the following day and started spending it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have purchased a dairy cow. I used to buy milk daily and this was so demoralizing and stressful since when I do not have the money I would go without milk. Due to my old age I do not do cause jobs. My children help me to get the basic needs and I do small scale farming. My produce is majorly for consumption and I sell the surplus to earn an income. Currently I have a dairy cow and I no longer stress up like before. I get enough milk and this had made me happy. I am able to save the meh that I would have used to buy milk for other household items. I have devoted much of my time on this dairy keeping project because it has changed my living standard. GiveDirectly has enabled us to fulfilled our dreams of owning a dairy cow.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 35,000 on purchasing a dairy cow. This is because I used to buy milk daily and this was so costly for me since I do not have a continuous source of income. I had always wished to own a dairy cow but it was not possible. Currently I no longer stress up on where to get the money to buy milk . I have enough milk for the family. I purchase clothes, food and household items. I'm so happy because GiveDirectly has improved our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this amount means food security and good health to me. I am an elderly woman with poor health. For the past three months, I developed chest complications coupled with the high blood pressure that I was diagnosed with two years ago. Due to my age, I cannot afford to stand for long and work on the farm, therefore, I solely depend on my son for my household needs such as food and clothing. With this amount, I will buy a dairy cow to provide me with milk for consumption and a surplus for sale .The remaining amount will be used for food and medical expenses.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The success of my son in the welding business has brought me happiness in the past 6 months. With my old age, I cannot fend for myself and therefore I depend on my elder son for the provision of household needs. His stability in the business has given me joy because from the revenues he earns we can feed and dress well.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Mental problems and poor health are the biggest challenges am currently facing. For two years now I have been affected by high blood pressure due to mental stress. My last born child who is a girl dropped out of school 8 years ago after being expectant. Since then she has been in and out of different marriages and this has stressed me up.She left has two children with me and went to stay with his third husband whom they have sired one child.Am not at peace because within this marriage they constantly have household conflicts and violence.
