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 busy doing my evening house chores when I heard a message on my phone. Since I could not read and comprehend the messages on my phone, I was curious to know who could have sent the message at that hour. When my helper checked the message, I was greatly overjoyed when he disclosed to me that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I could not wait to withdraw the money the following day to buy enough foodstuffs for my family since we lacked food for some days.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Owning livestock in our region is one of the most beneficial economic activities that one can engage in. Once they reproduce and increase in number, then we have some assets to rely on in case of a pressing financial need. This is the reason I chose to invest part of my transfer in buying a heifer. My expectation is that this heifer will reproduce, get milk for my consumption and sell the surplus at a profit. Through this, I will be able to effectively cater for my household's basic needs with ease. Owning the heifer is the biggest difference in my daily life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My kitchen was leaking since the roof was dilapidated and I could not renovate it on time. I had to look for somewhere else to do my cooking whenever it rains. My living house doesn't have enough space as well. I thus spent the transfer on buying building materials which include 14 pieces of iron sheets, nails and poles and renovated the kitchen. I am no longer worried about the rains since I can now do my cooking at any time. In addition to this, I also purchased a heifer worthy Ksh .15500 and added it to my cowshed. These are my assets which I can readily sell the offspring to help cater for my financial needs. Apart from this, I also spent Ksh 5000 to pay for my grandson's fees. They were sent home because I failed to pay for them on time. I am at peace seeing them continue with their studies without interruptions on school fees.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I sleep on a wooden roped bed with sacks and clothes as beddings. I have never slept on a mattress in my entire life. I intend to buy new beddings and blankets so that I can test the comfort while using one. I will buy six goats as investments because they can prevail in the drought seasons. My kitchen store leaks when it rains, with the remaining amount I will buy iron sheets so that I can cook in them during the rainy seasons.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My co-wife and my child were both pregnant and anytime they could welcome their babies. This is always a panic time for us women. I thank God last week they both delivered safely and this brought joy to my life knowing my family has increased.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I was diagnosed with ulcers and I have always been on and off to the hospital for medical appeals. I tend to use most of my money on medical bills. In the morning I usually feel uneasy eating till in the afternoon when I only eat a little. This has always stressed me and I feel weak every day after not getting a better diet.
