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 5pm, I was at home relaxing when my daughter in-law came to informed me that she has received the transfer.When she checked my phone actually there was a message confirming that I have received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy because I have never received such amount of money before. I knew I would be able to buy a dairy cow. We went and withdraw the money the following day and started planning on how to spend it.
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 purchased a dairy cow. This was my first priority since I used to buy milk and sometimes depend on my sons to support me. I had always wished to own my own dairy cow for convince. This was not possible because I did not have the money. Our main source of income is small scale farming. We plan maize and vegetables and mostly his is for consumption. I did not have the extra to sell to get some money. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I felt so happy because I knew I would be able to buy a dairy cow. Currently I have enough milk for the family and I no longer get worried like before. I am so grateful for the support because were it not GiveDirectly all this could not have happened. I have devoted much of my time on this amazing dairy project.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 40,00 on purchasing a dairy cow. I had always wished to own a dairy cow but I did not have the money. I depend on small scale farming and mostly support from my sons. The rest of the money I spent on food and household items. I am so grateful for the support because GiveDirectly has improved our living standards. Currently I can get enough milk and I'm so happy.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means food security and additional assets to my household. My husband and I depend on our children for provision due to our old age. Engaging in agricultural activities which is our main source of livelihood is currently difficult for us due to our ages. Buying a dairy cow will enable us to be food secure and hence better life for us. The important requirements for us now are food and good health. This will be facilitated by the nutritional milk we get from the cow ,the income earned from milk sale will also be utilized to buy other foodstuff in the household.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The availability of rains in the past 6 months has brought happiness in my life.This is because I can access drinking water and also vegetables in my garden.This makes me happy because I am relieved from the struggles of searching for water at a longer distance.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Old age comes with various health complications. The biggest challenge we are currently facing is health problems.My husband has a chronic disease that has rendered him in bed for the past 10 years. Last year he was given a wheelchair because of weak limb joints that made him unable to walk. We currently spent most of our time and money visiting the health facilities for his treatment. Financial limitations have thus become a major challenge to this household because we spend approximately KES 10000 a month on medication.
