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 9 am while taking breakfast when I heard a message alert on my phone. On checking, my helper confirmed that I had received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was very happy at the arrival of the good news and instructed my helper to go for the money from the nearest mobile money agent.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving the transfers is building a modern Iron roofed house. As a result, I am shielded from the rains which were prevalent in the grass thatched house. Although I had desired a better house for the last three years I couldn't afford it because my kids who I look up to also have kids to fend for.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
At my age, I no longer do heavy work like farming. Therefore, to get food I employ casual labor to do small-scale farming of maize and vegetables which I sell for an income. Additionally, I rely on dairy farming to get an income majorly for household consumption.
Secondly, I have been living in an old grass-thatched house with leaking roofs for over thirty years now. Even after renewing the grass thatched roof a few years back, it's already worn out. Therefore when I received my first transfer, I spent KES 26,000 on the construction of a two-roomed 26 Iron roofed modern house. As a result, the roof will last longer as compared to the previous grass thatch roof which easily wears out.
Thirdly, I spent KES 25, 000 on a heifer. This is because it is of higher quality than the one I had and once it reproduces it will be effective in milk production. Additionally, the one I had is old and normally gives me only four liters a day.
Lastly, I spent KES 3,500 on a bag of maize which has my family for the past two months and the remainder will be over in a week.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
At my old age, I cannot engage myself in any meaningful economic activity that can generate income. I am frail and of poor health. It is painful to struggle to even put food on the table.I have been depending on the transfers for the elderly from the government, it is little and is dispersed after a long time. It is against this backdrop that I intend to have a sustainable source of income. Dairy farming does well in our place, I have always wanted to purchase one for my household but I have not been able due to lack of finances. With these transfers, I plan to purchase one that I will be able to milk for consumption and sell the surplus. It will cost approximately KES 30000, I will use the rest of the money to build an iron sheet roofed kitchen.
What is the happiest part of your day?
This is a new year, that has heralded new things. It is always a privilege for old people like me to see a new year. I was excited and hopeful for new happenings this year. It has started so well , this is our year, GiveDirectly coming to our village with their transfers is a clear indication. Everyone is happy, I am thankful.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is a major problem that I face. Mostly, attributed to my inactivity due to old age The situation was further worsened by the outbreak of maize disease that ravaged our crops. We buy maize from the nearby Chebunyo market at KES 100 per kilogram. This is expensive for us and sometimes we are forced to ration the flour to last for long. Suffices to say we do not afford a decent and enough food that we desire.
