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.
Through the transfer, I now have a bull and two goats. Having these animals to me is the biggest difference because I will soon have a full pair of oxen to help me in farming. The goats will reproduce and increase in number. I can sell the offspring for future financial needs like educating my children.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I saw the transfer notification in the morning, after I went through it, I was filled with happiness because GiveDirectly had sent money to me, I never thought that I would ever receive such money in my life.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 23500 of my first transfer to purchase livestock which include a bull and two goats. I am hoping to buy another bull to make up a pair of oxen that will aid me in my farming. I am also expecting the goats to reproduce and increase in number. In addition, I also paid KES 11000 to pay for my children school fees so that they would comfortably continue with their studies. I am also in the process of renovating the roof of my house, which is old and dilapidated. I purchased by 10 pieces of iron sheets, nails and timber to facilitate this.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
A respectable house for my family is what receiving this money means to me. Currently, I am living in a small house whose condition is pathetic and it's just braving the strong wind of this area. With this challenge, I am still forced to live in this house together with my co-wife and some of our children while others spend their nights in my neighbor's house. My plan is to construct a spacious one which will be comfortable for the family, something that will earn me the respect that I have lost for long. This will change my livelihood, a transition that I have wished for long.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day because it is at this time when I get relaxed from my tiresome activity of burning charcoal. My morning and afternoon hours are always fixed to my work, an activity that is very strenuous to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced owing to the fact that our husband is old and jobless. This situation has compelled me to live a sorrowful life because the condition of our house is not worthy for living. This makes me feel shameful whenever I get visitors since I cannot accommodate.
