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.
Living in a one-room mud-walled house that is on the brink of collapse has been a real challenge, especially with the recent floods damaging it further. I have been longing to build a decent shelter for myself, but financial constraints have made it impossible. Over the past two years, my farm yields have been low, and whatever little I earn goes towards paying school fees for my children, leaving nothing for savings or home improvements. When I receive my transfers, I intend to spend $450 on constructing a new iron-walled house, which will provide a safe and stable shelter for my family. Another $500 will go towards school fees, ensuring my children's education is not compromised. The remainder of the funds will be invested in purchasing goats, which will serve as an investment for our future. These transfers will be a significant relief for us, and I am hopeful that with these plans in place, we can begin to build a more secure and stable future for our family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Coming from an area where Kenya Seed maize farming dominates, I could not resist joining in. Last September, I harvested maize from my 4 acres of land, thanks to assistance from Kenya Seed Company with the sowing. Since it was on loan, I had to sell the produce back to them as per our agreement, allowing them to deduct their expenses directly. Receiving my payment in January 2024 was a huge relief. I used the money to pay school fees for my children, which brought me immense joy and satisfaction.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have a deep passion for farming, but it has been a real struggle lately. Here in Longewan Sub-location, irrigation is essential for farming success, yet acquiring the necessary inputs has become a major challenge for me. Recently, floods swept away my entire 6-acre maize crop, leaving me with nothing but charcoal burning as a means of earning a living.However, the market prices have been affected by the middlemen as the price of $6 a bag is a loss.Starting over seems impossible right now. Knowing that I will have to face months of hardship to secure food for myself is truly heart breaking, especially since I live alone.
