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 around 7 in the evening when I was preparing a meal when my daughter-in-law told me there were two new messages on my mobile phone. Upon checking, she confirmed that they were both from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my first cash transfer. I was overwhelmed with joy and surprised at the same time since I never thought it would be this soon. I also knew that I would finally achieve my dream of own8nh livestock on my homestead.
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 am now feeling so proud after owning the livestock. I have been yearning to have them for years but I could purchase either of them because they were very expensive. I am so hopeful that they will thrive so well in my region considering that the climate is so favourable. In a few months to come the cow will start producing milk which I am planning to sell and earn an income. Currently, I am jobless, I have been depending on my children for daily meals. Also with the goats, once they multiply, I will sell some and start another business( hotel ) which will be an additional income. I am so confident and sure that the two projects shall uplift my standard of living and I will be independent. I am so grateful to GiveDirectly for finally empowering me to accomplish my dream.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a dairy cow and a goat at a total cost of KES 17000. I have been yearning to own them for quite some time but I couldn't afford either of them because they were relatively expensive. I settled for them because I am assured that I will achieve a lot once they increase in number. To add to that, I bought a bed and a mattress for a total of KES 14000. Back in the days, I used to sleep on the traditional beds which I was not comfortable with and I felt there was a need to upgrade the bedding. At least I no longer complain about what I have been undergoing. Additionally, I bought a solar panel which has been of help, especially at night and whenever I want to charge my phone. With the remaining amount of money, I have been buying food for the family and other household needs.
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access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a source of wealth to me. I plan to achieve this through livestock rearing. I will use KES 70000 to buy 10 indegious goats and 2 cows. I will later sell them at a profit and save the money for rainy days. I will further use KES 15000 to buy a modern new bed and mattress to replace the traditional bed that does not give me nice sleep. The remaining amount will cater for other household expenses like food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I will be lying to say that I am happy. This is because of the frequent chest pains that I have been suffering for over 10 years. But I am grateful to the Almighty God for the gift of life. This is what has brought happiness to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is health-related. I have a chest pain that has really been a problem for me over 10 years. I have sought medication in the past but due to lack of enough money has made the condition to recur because I do not complete the required dose. The doctor has warned me against doing the physical jobs since me condition will worsen. This has limited my income since most jobs here at home are physical in nature.
