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 9pm after supper when my kids were studying and I was relaxing on the couch when I heard an SMS alert on my phone. On checking, it was KES55000 from GiveDirectly and we were excited and started praying thanking God for about half an hour.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily since I started receiving is owning a heifer which I had desired to have for the past five years but couldn't afford before. I am also grateful because GiveDirectly has enabled me to clear school fees for these term. I also have adequate food for my family which can sustain my family for a longer period and I no longer struggle with casual labor.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES20000 on a heifer because it grows fast and when it gives birth it will be a source of milk and income for family. I also spent KES 2000 on payment of school fees. I also spent KES 6000 on household items and KES7000 on food and clothing. I normally rely on my husband who's a driver and on my casual labor in order to feed my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security for my family of 8. For the past 4 years, I have desired to own a dairy cow but it has been unfortunate for I have not had the finances to support this. The one cow I currently have belongs to the extended family and I fear that sometime later, family wrangles might arise for I will have no choice but surrender to the owners. Owning one gives me the freedom to plan for the future of my children as I will sell the cows. when they sire. I will also use the milk for the household and sell the extra to earn income to purchase food for the household. It is a big sigh of relief now that Give directly has visited my family and my dream of owning a dairy cow will come to pass. I intend to use KES 30000 to fulfil this desire.
What is the happiest part of your day?
When I heard of Givedirectly's visit to the neighbourhood 1 month ago, I prayed hard that they will visit my village at some point. Fortunately, they visited 2 days ago for the Baraza and I saw some financial breakthrough. This has brought joy to my life
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is a challenge to me at the moment. As a farmer, I cultivate maize, beans, Irish potatoes and sweet potatoes which I harvest twice a year. In most instances, the crops have not been productive because of the harsh climate and periodic invasion of pests and diseases. All through, I have been using the produce to cater for the KES 38800 school fees per year for my children in grade 8, grade 6 and grade 4. Unfortunately, the produce has reduced which impacts negatively on the finances. Therefore, I am forced to work extra through raising chicken besides the support I receive from my husband who is a truck driver.
