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 biggest difference in your daily life.
Having a dairy cow has made my life to be different in so many ways. My wish and dream for a long time were to have a pair but since they are very expensive I managed to only purchase one. But I am hoping very soon it will reproduce and increase in number. With the cow, I will be getting milk. I have been buying from my neighbors at a very high cost. At times I couldn't afford to buy and we would not take breakfast during such days. Apart from that, I will start selling the milk which will earn me a good amount of money. This will enable me to easily meet my family basic needs.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember very well it was around 5 am when I saw the notification message on my mobile phone. When checked it's content it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly informing me that they had sent my first transfer. I was over-excited for I knew I would finally achieve my goals.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a dairy cow at KES 22000. I then bought a few pieces of iron sheets, to renovate my house that used to leak during the rainy seasons. I then cleared the huge school fees arrears for my children. They have been staying home for the last two months and I needed to do something before they gave up and dropped out of school. I then bought a new mattress because I used to sleep on a traditional bed made of ropes, which was very uncomfortable. I always complained of back pains. I am glad because this will soon come to an end. I then bought medicine for my cow. The medicine will help in boosting its health. The remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs and other household items that I did not have.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house has a leaking roof which makes it unbearable in this rainy season. I have spent several sleepless nights because I have to move things around the house to prevent them from being damaged. I will therefore purchase iron sheets to repair it because I am not happy with this situation. I will also clear part of my daughter's college fees so that she can undertake her end of semester exams. Besides, I will buy goats that will finance her education as well as generate income for family use .
What is the happiest part of your day?
In a situation where getting three meals is like a fairy tale,we only prioritize supper. This means I spend the entire day working without food. I always wish that the hours move faster for the day to end. Once the sun sets, I feel rejuvenated because it is time to eat and rest. Such a thought makes evening the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At the age of 54 I still dig in people's farms and burn charcoal for a living. This is because I do not have any support since my husband is too old to work. I cannot even account for my wages since I live from hand to mouth. Getting food is such a hustle and sometimes we spend up to three days. The lack of enough food has made me so weak that I cannot actively engage in my jobs. This has made financial constraint which is my biggest hardship grow from bad to worse.
