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 attending to my younger daughter who was in pain after getting burnt by hot tea when I received a message alert on my phone. I still remember that it was a few minutes past 7 pm and I had no arrangements for dinner since we did not have maize flour nor the money to use in buying some. I became so happy after reading its contents and I immediately sent some money to my spouse and requested him to buy for us maize flour to use in making our meal for that day. He was overjoyed when I informed him about the good news and that we would be able to eat before going to bed.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that my children now get enough milk for consumption unlike before. This has made me happy since they no longer complain that we do not buy milk for them. This has been possible because we were able to acquire a dairy cow using our transfer. It is almost calving and I am glad that I will start earning some money very soon through the sale of surplus.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have two children and my niece who stays with me while he schools at a nearby school. They are all still young and need milk for their development. Since I am a housewife, I had no means of supporting my spouse with some of our bills and we had to take tea without milk on several occasions. I am happy that with the transfer, I was able to spend KES 35000 to buy a dairy cow. Also, I spent, KES 4000 to buy a seat and KES 4500 to acquire a new phone since the one I owned had malfunctioned and I did not want an instance where I would not be available when GiveDirectly calls me. I spent the remaining amount on a sack of maize that will last us for some time.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My biggest aim for this year is to buy a cow since I do not have one. I have two small children who require milk daily and I have to buy milk from my neighbor. Receiving this money will mean that I will be able to buy a cow that will provide me with milk for my children and earn from selling. I do casual jobs and the money that I will earn from selling milk will supplement my income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I was happy when I heard that GiveDirectly was coming to our area. I have plans and with that, I knew that I will be able to actualize them and this has brought me happiness.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am not in a position to provide for my children fully because of the lack of a better source of income. I spend all the money that I get from the jobs on food and is not enough. Having another source of income will enable me to provide for them and also have some of the money.
