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 felt so good when I confirm the receipt of the first transfer from GiveDirectly. Even though people received it at different times and were almost in the last lot, I was very confident to ultimately find the amount in my account. I received a message around 6:00 pm and could not withdraw it till the third day when I needed to use it. At that moment I was at home with my wife, who was very excited as well.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The improved standard of living for my family is the biggest difference in my daily life after receiving my first transfer. Expansion of poultry farming after adding 12 hens and also bringing in an upgraded breed of cow has been a boost in our hope of having a better life in the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a small-scale farmer, I had been working hard at every opportunity to ensure that I get the best both from livestock and subsistence farming. Before receiving the first transfer, I had an indigenous breed of cow that has been giving us a small amount of milk, just enough for household use. After the first transfer, I bought an upgraded Friesian heifer at KES 30000. I hope this will increase milk production in the future that will support my family both in the household supply and even financially by selling some liters out. I also spent KES 5000 on buying 12 hens to expand my poultry family and cleared hospital debt of KES 10000 that my deceased mother left when she while admitted. I then spent the remaining amount on buying clothes and enough foodstuff for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We are still living in a small house that is not enough for me and the family. I'm happy that Give Directly money is coming at the right time that I was focusing on building a spacious house. I also have young children and I need a constant supply of milk. I buy milk wort KES 100 in a day, which is very expensive given that I'm jobless. I will buy a cow in order to cut the cost of feeding my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My wife was sitting for end of highschool examination (KCSE) and she passed very well to secure a position to continue with her studies college. We were very happy for her as a family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I don't have a a cow to provide us with. It is so expensive to buy it, yet it is a priority in family life. It is difficult and expensive to buy milk everyday. Most of my income goes to buying milk.
