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 out on the farm weeding my beans when I heard my phone beep with a message notification, but I was too focused on my work to check it right away. After finishing up, I finally reached for my phone, and to my surprise and excitement, it was a message from GiveDirectly confirming that the cash transfer had come through. My heart leapt with joy. Immediately, my mind started racing with ideas, and I thought that it was a perfect opportunity to start the business I've always dreamed of. It felt like a turning point in my life, a real chance to change things for the better.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Since I received the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly, the biggest difference I've seen is in the stability it has brought to my life. So far, since I started my small business, I’ve made a profit of $500, which allowed my family and me to buy a small piece of land, 50 by 100 feet, in a raised area that's safe from floods. This was such a relief, knowing we now have a secure place to live. I'm also expecting a baby in December, and by then, I plan to use the second transfer to build a new house on the land we bought, so my family can have a safe and comfortable home. This support has completely changed our future for the better.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As a businesswoman who buys and sells maize, I was fortunate enough to receive an unconditional cash transfer at just the right time. Maize prices were low, so I used $160 to buy seven bags of maize to sell. This decision brought me a profit of around $14, which, while modest, helped me keep the business running. I've always had a passion for doing business, and alongside selling maize, I sometimes sell vegetables and fruits depending on the season. With some of the transfer, I also took care of my family’s needs. I spent $20 on clothes for my daughter, my husband, and myself. We hadn’t bought new clothes in a while, and I believe it’s important to look good and present ourselves well, even during hard times. It felt good to finally address that need, which we had been putting off for some time.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
My husband and I are planning to purchase a quarter of an acre plot($500) in an elevated grounds safe from the rampant floods in the community. We will spend $300 from the rest of the amount to put up a home for our family of 3.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The flash floods that tormented the village around 2 months ago left many families without food and shelter. Fortunately, we were evacuated to safer grounds. What brought me joy is the relief food we received from the Kenya Red cross together with the government, that lasted for about 3 weeks. This brought hope and relief because our families and children escaped starvation.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
When I lost half an acre maize plantation to floods 2 months ago, my husband and I are struggling to put food on the table. I also had plans to sell the produce and start saving for my daughter's education. The consequences of the calamity has left us more worried about food security and unable to provide quality education for Samantha, our 8 year old daughter.
