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 very happy when I saw a message from GiveDirectly that on reading, it was a confirmation of the receipt of my first transfer. At that moment, I was still in tow doing my casual work. With the joy I had after that confirmation, I felt restless within the workplace but I had to keep working since the owner of the motorbike I was using expected a daily pay as usual. I needed to be home earlier to share the good news with my family and had to try my best not to be distracted. After work, I went straight home, informed my household, and celebrated together over a dinner meal that was better than any other day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the peace of mind I am currently enjoying as I run my own business. I am more motivated compared to the days when I was working for someone else and no longer at the receiving end from the wrath of my boss who kept complaining whenever I fail to hit his set targets. My family members eat well also since I had been able to provide a better meal enough for my family of five.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Right after receiving my first transfer, it was a coincidence that the owner of the motorbike that had been the source of my daily income took it back leaving me jobless. We had to change the initial of buying livestock and instead of obtaining a second-hand motorcycle at KES 48000. Since then, it has been serving us well with a good income, especially on the market days when the roads are busy. I am hopeful that the saving plan that w have started will soon enable me to obtain a dairy cow that will, in turn, cushion me and my family of five in the daily purchase of milk. I spent the remaining amount in acquiring new spare parts and servicing the bike as it was already in use and needed to be refurbished before running my daily business.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a father to three children who are yet to begin schooling .One of them will be joining pre-primary school next year and this will require money for school fees and school uniform.My ambition has been for my children to join a private school where they will get closer attention from the teachers and hence quality education.From this money I will be able to plan well for their education life .I will buy a dairy cow worth KES 30000 .This cow will multiply thus earning me income from the sale of calves and milk.Moreover ,the cow will always remind my family of the joy and the positive impact that GiveDirectly made in our lives .
What is the happiest part of your day?
The unity and love within my household has given me happiness in the past 6 months.Despite the inadequacy of resources such as food and clothing my lovely wife has been able to understand my situation and love me back.She has even engaged in transporting and selling water in order to support me and this gives me joy as a man.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
From the time I got married in 2017 ,we have struggled to buy milk for the family.As a motorcycle rider I have been unable to buy my own dairy cow.The motorcycle I ride belongs to a neighbor who pays me KES 200 a day .This amount is insufficient to meet the needs of my family especially now when my three children needs good clothing and adequate food for them to grow healthy.My children have consumed the non nutritional black tea several times due to my inability to buy milk.This pains me as a father because my wish has been to see my family happy.
