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 sitting at home when I heard my phone beep with a message notification. Since I don’t know how to read, I quickly called my daughter, who helps me with such things, and asked her to check it for me. She looked at the screen and then excitedly told me it was the transfer from GiveDirectly. I could hardly contain my joy when I heard that! Finally, I knew that my plans to buy a goat and a new mattress would come true. It felt like a huge weight was lifted, and I couldn't wait to make those purchases for our home.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before I received unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, I used to do casual jobs to support my family, but things got really difficult after I became unwell and couldn't keep up with the work. The money came through for us at a time when we needed it the most, especially since my old husband now requires constant care. I was struggling to balance everything, and the financial help has allowed us to get back on our feet during such a difficult time. I'm truly grateful for the support, as it has given us the breathing room we desperately needed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the cash transfer, it felt like a lifeline, especially after the floods destroyed most of what we had. First, I bought a goat for $65. Milk has become too expensive to buy daily, so once the goat starts producing, I’ll be able to get milk from it and save money. I also bought a mattress and a bed for $66. The floods ruined my old one, and I had been sleeping on a mat, which was uncomfortable. Now, at least I can sleep better at night. I used $13 to buy new cooking pots since the water carried away most of my kitchen items. I also had been unwell, so I went to the hospital and used $15 for the necessary medication. With the money, I bought enough food items for the household and made sure to leave enough for my husband, who is elderly. He must have milk daily, so this will help while we still have to buy it.
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What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Our current single house is in dire condition and on the verge of collapsing, posing a significant risk. I plan to allocate $154 towards necessary repairs. The remainder will be used to purchase food and seek medical treatment for both myself and my unwell husband.
Additionally, I intend to invest $346 in purchasing a cow and two goats to establish an income stream for my family. This investment will reduce the cost of buying milk and serve as a future source of income.
Furthermore, I will allocate another $346 towards buying farm inputs such as a generator, pipes, and seeds to enhance the productivity of my farm. This initiative aims to ensure a sustainable supply of food and income for my family in the long term.
What is the happiest part of your day?
After being displaced by the floods and settling in the IDP camp, I was grateful to receive material support from the Kenya Red Cross and a kind donor. Their donations of utensils, buckets, blankets, and food significantly improved my family's living conditions. The blankets have been particularly helpful during the cold season.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Currently, my family of 5 faces numerous challenges. We lack the funds to buy food. I'm unable to seek manual work because I must take care for my elderly and ill husband at home. We rely on our children for food assistance. Additionally, the recent floods in our village have caused health issues for me, but we cannot afford to seek medical treatment or insurance. One of our houses was destroyed by the floods, leaving us with only one inadequate dwelling. We lack the funds to build a more suitable home. I also own two acres of uncultivated land that could provide income for my family if we had the means to farm it.
