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 thankful when I received a confirmation of the receipt of the first transfer from GiveDirectly at around 8:00 pm. I was with my children at home then, and even though they could not understand what was going on, I still informed them before calling their father, who was not at home, to share the same excitement.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the plentiful supply of milk for my family of six. Alongside the dairy cow is the improved farming on the piece of land I leased that provides both space for the cow and other farm operations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After aligning with my husband on the budget we had laid down, I spent KES 35000 on buying a lactating dairy cow that has been providing enough milk for my family of six. Previously, I would struggle a lot to meet the cost of milk from the neighborhood, but I am grateful that I can sell some liters at the moment to sort out other household bills. I also leased a piece of land for two years at KES 10000. Currently, I am preparing the land for planting, as we hope for a favorable season ahead. In addition, I spent the remaining amount on buying new bedding and enough household foodstuff that we are still using. I am grateful for the transformation I have witnessed writing a few weeks after receiving the transfer and hope to do a lot when I receive the second transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better living standard for my family. I do casual jobs as our source of livelihood to sustain my family of 6. Sometimes on a good day, I will earn around KES 200 that's hardly enough for my family's needs like maize flour costing KES 130 per tin, school fees for my 4 children, and another family's basic needs. I will be a happy person if I will be among the beneficiary of these transfers since I will budget KES 30,000 to purchase a dairy cow. This will help me extensively since I will sell milk surplus to raise school fees and meet other family needs. The rest I will complete my house is halfway complete now.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Two months ago I build one-bedroom iron sheets roofed house halfway to completion. Having this house makes me happy because my family cannot be rained. The previous house had a leaking roof and was not specious to accommodate my family of 6.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge we are facing currently is financial constraints. We depend on casual jobs as our main source of livelihood. Unfortunately due to unfavorable weather conditions securing a job is rare within my village. This worries me sometimes because I cannot afford to put food on the table for my family.
