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 9 am. I was milking the cows when my son came to inform me that the money had been sent. I felt so happy I almost stop milking. I went with my son to withdrew the money the same day. My children felt so good and excited too. I knew I would be able to buy a dairy cow. This was one of my main focus. I am so grateful for the support because it was like a sunrise to me and my family.
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. I used to buy milk daily, I depend on small scale farming. The small scale farming earns small income and I was not able to buy a dairy cow. I had other basic household items which I was to sort out. When I received the transfer I felt so happy because I knew I would be able to buy a dairy cow. I no longer stress up on where to get the money for milk. I have peace of mind to do other activities at home without being disturbed like before. Dairy farming is the best, I am learning a lot on this, I will improve this as time goes by. This is the best project because it pay back on time. My family members get enough milk unlike before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 30,000. To buy a dairy cow. At some point I used to buy milk daily and it was so costly for me. Currently I have enough milk and I am able to save some money. I bought wire mesh for fencing the compound. My compound look so decent. The rest of the money I bought food and clothes for my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For a long time, I have been wanting to establish a poultry farm but because of limited capital, this dream has not been achieved. With these transfers I shall start an extensive poultry farming with an approximate value of KES 40000.Currently I do free range poultry farming this is less profitable because sometimes the hens are eaten up by the roaming dogs or wild cats. My household fully depends on my husband's income who works as a janitor at Nakuru.He earns KES 8000 a month and this is insufficient to cater for our demands such as planting seeds ,food and clothing
What is the happiest part of your day?
The improvement in the livestock health and nutrition has given me joy on the past 6 months. The availability of rainfall has led to increased feeds especially pastures for the cattle .This has resulted in higher milk yields of which I can sell the surplus and earn an equivalent amount of KES 1800 a month.This has enable me to be food secure as well as have a better health.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The prolonged periods of drought have affected our economic activities.Our livestock yields have reduced tremendously from 8 Litres to 5 liters in the past 4 months. Because of this, getting adequate food has become a struggle to us because we have to engage in casual jobs in order to earn a living.
