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 enjoying a cup of tea together with my mother when she heard her phone ringing, upon checking she saw a Mpesa alert showing that she had received money from GiveDirectly, I immediately reach out to my phone but there was nothing there, while I was still holding my phone, I had passage alert, upon checking I could not believe my eye because this was the best news that I had received in a long time, I was so happy that I forgot to finish up what I was doing but rather I started planning on how we would spend our transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life today is that I now have a dairy cow, with I am certain that I will be able to cut down on the daily cost of milk, therefore saving up some money which is a very big relief on my side, secondly, I bought polls and other building equipment that I will use in constructing my house when I receive my second transfer. Indeed this is a blessing from above, everything went on smoothly as I had planned am I am grateful for the support that lifted my life to a higher and admirable level in society.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Circumstances forced me to sell my only cow, I was once sick and I did not have money to offset the hospital bill that had accrued, I was left with no choice but to sell the one cow that was left, I have three children and buying milk daily is very expensive, especially when you don't have a reliable source of income. I depend on farming to earn a living but lately, the harvest is not much due to the harsh climatic change. Therefore I bought a cow worth KES 32,000 which with that we would be able to get enough milk for our daily usage. I then used the remaining amount in buying poll posts which I am hopeful that I will be able to build a house with my second transfer. I am grateful for the support that brought happiness and hopes to our lives.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have several plans for this money. I had a job before and lost it after I got sick and planning for my family is tough. I plan to buy a cow with $300 of the first transfer because I do not have one, use $100 to secure food for my family and pay fees for my children. I intend to upgrade my house using all of the amount to be sent in the second transfer.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is mid-day because it is the time I get to meet and talk with people around me. Talking with the help me develop positivity in life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Job security. I do not have a job now and the casual labor that I offer is tedious because I hurt my leg and this restricts my movement. I am in the process of searching for less tedious and secure jobs that can help me fend for my family.
