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?
The moment I received the money I felt so happy. I remember it was around 8 am when my neighbor came to informed me that she had received the money from GiveDirectly. I went back home and to check my phone as well. I could not believe my eyes, there was a message confirming that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I knew all my wishes will be fulfilled. I immediately inform my spouse and he was so happy too. I went and withdrew the money and we plan on repaying the loan that I had borrowed from the bank.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I have repaid the loan that I had borrowed from the bank to purchase a dairy cow. I am so happy now because I have clear the loan. The bank officers had been visiting my home asking for money. This was so demoralizing and stressful. I had no money to pay them. I depend on casual jobs and small scale farming. The money that I get through this is so small and it's only for household basic needs and school fees. Every month I was so stressed because I knew the officers will come and disgrace me. Sometimes I had to hide from them. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I repaid the loan. This was the first priority that I had planned. Currently I have peace of mind and I do my work so well without being disturbed. I have devoted much of my time on my work and with the aim of getting enough food for the family. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standards.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of the money I received from GiveDirectly to repay the loan that I had borrowed from a bank Repaid the loan that I had borrowed from the bank dairy cow. I purchased a dairy cow but unfortunately the cow died. We spent part of the money to pay dowry and finally spent on clothes and food. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has improved our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have one cow. That cow produce two litres per day. The milk i get from this cow is only enough for household use. So when I get this money I would like to buy a dairy cow specifically Asian breed since this breed can produce over 5 litres of milk per day. This will be a good source of income to my family. At the moment I depend on my husband who does motorcycle taxi but he only gets 200 KES per day of which its not sufficient to sustain all our needs. A good dairy cow will cost around KES 30000. Lack of money has really made us not to buy another cow since the death of our other cow.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the evening. This is the time I get to spend time with my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship has been lack of money. We had so many projects we were wishing to do including that of rearing cows but we have not yet achieved. The little money we get from my husband motorcyling business is not sufficient to meet all our needs.
