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.
As I speak, what runs through my mind is how to boost my self-esteem as a father in the family. Having my family spend their nights on rugged beddings is something that never gives me peace of mind. I have always wished to buy decent ones but due to financial challenges, this has never been possible. Receiving unconditional cash means realizing a dream that I have had for a long. I plan to spend $200 to buy 3 mattresses to have this done. This will help my family especially the children to have a nice sleep and eventually concentrate on their classes. In addition, the remaining amount of the first transfer ($300) will help me to clear a debt for my land which has been pending for the last 7 years something that will give me a sense of ownership. What a boost! On the other hand, I will spend a large portion of the second transfer $500, to invest in livestock keeping. This will include 5 goats at $200 and 2 cows at $300. This will act as my long-term investment project to support me in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It was in April this year when I came to realize that, truly, blood is thicker than water! I had my daughter at home who was sent out of school due to fee arrears of $45. Since I was desperate, I decided to reach out to my brother who is in Mombasa to help me sort out this challenge. Fortunately, he sent me $80, an amount that I never expected. This helped me to send her back to school and she is currently settled. It was a great sigh of relief to have gotten that help. Hence, I consider this as what has brought joy to my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The harsh economic condition has made my life so difficult because the cost of commodities has gone high. This means it becomes tough to balance between food and school fees. Considering my monthly income of $60 as a cook, I can not fully cater to my family's basic needs. Sometimes I am forced to seek a salary advance at the school where I work to pay fees for my children. Taking an advance means postponing the problem because it will reach a point where I will miss payment. Hence, I consider financial constraints as my biggest challenge.
