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 came to learn about my transfer the next day, this is because it came very late at night when I was already asleep. I was about to step out of the house when I checked my phone to confirm what time it was, that was when I saw the Mpesa message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly, this was the best news that I had received in a long time. I knew that all my dreams would be realised on time.
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 managed to purchase an in-calf cow, Currently, I no longer buy milk daily, but instead, I have been able to earn an extra income from the milk production. I am so grateful for the great impact that the transfer has brought on my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Before I had cows but unfortunately, they all died due to a disease outbreak. This was the most trying moment in my life because I was left with nothing. At the same time, I had to start buying milk for our daily use. When I received my transfer, I prioritised purchasing a daily cow to reduce the cost of buying milk daily, thus I used KES 38,000. Lastly, I saved the remaining amount of money so that I would be able to purchase a water tank once I receive my second transfer. I am so grateful for the transfer that uplifted my living standards.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a boost to my agricultural products. I am a full-time farmer that rears dairy cows for milk and farm vegetables and beans for sale. I plan to add a dairy cow to the ones that I have to boost milk production since I sell milk to my neighbors and also buy a water tank and pipes that I will use to store water pumped from the nearby river for irrigation of the crops that I grow. A boost in these activities means increased income
What is the happiest part of your day?
For the last 6 months, I have earned a steady income from the produce that I sell that has enabled me to support my family. This has brought me joy since I can meet their needs comfortably.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Our area does not receive sufficient rainfall for crop production hence prolonged drought. This is a major challenge to me because it affects the crop production cycle and a reduction in the yield means also a reduction in the income that I earn.
