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?
The moment I received the transfer I felt so happy. I remember vividly like yesterday. It was around 9.12 am in the morning when I heard a ringtone message from my phone. I was washing utensils and I opted to check it. I couldn't believe my eyes. I have never received such amount of money that. It was a message indicating that I have received money from GiveDirectly. I left what I was doing and celebrated. I rushed to my neighbor house and equally she has received the transfers. We were full of joy. GiveDirectly has fulfilled the promise. We planed on how to used the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My biggest difference in my daily life is that I have fenced my farm. I do small scale farming and sometimes do fast food supplies. Whenever I am at work my crops are being destroyed by my neighbor's cows. This has been a big challenge for me. Whenever I report this to our village elder there is no much that is been done. This is demoralizing and discourage me from investing in my own farm. The harvest that I could get could not last for that season because the crops kept on being destroyed. When I received the transfer from GiveDirectly I found it wise to buy the poles and fencing wire. Currently I have fenced my farm and I am so happy. My crops are no longer being destroyed. This has motivated me to work much easier. I have devoted my time to do horticulture farming. I have hope that in the next harvesting season I will get a good harvest. My crops has not been destroyed. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has enabled me to achieve this goal.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of the money I received from GiveDirectly on fencing my land to prevent neighbor's cows from destroying my crops. I also paid school fees for my child who is in primary school. I also invested some money in my fast food business. This business earns me an income to meet other basic household needs. Finally I bought food and clothes for my children. I am so happy because GiveDirectly has changed our living standard.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a chips frier and I normally sell fries at our local shopping center. On average day i normally use KES 4000 to purchase potatoes, cooking oil and other requirements such as tomato sauce. My income from the business after I have deducted all expenses is approximately KES 2000. Receiving this money will enable me to expand my business. I will be able to rent a shop as I am currently operating from another person's verandah. This I believe will give me a bigger opportunity of earning more from the business.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is usually in the afternoon. This is because its the time where I receive many customers in my business and serving them really makes me happy
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have always hoped that I will have the opportunity to go to college and pursue mechanical engineering. This has not been forthcoming because I don't have enough finances to cater for all the requirements. Even though I earn approximately KES 2000 from my business, this amount is not enough to pay for fees as well as to keep the business running. Lack of finances is therefore my biggest worry given that its hindering my from realizing my goal.
