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 very early in the morning when I woke up ready to see how the day would take me when I heard people happily talking about the GiveDirectly transfers. I became curious and quietly moved to my helper so that he could check if at all I was among the lucky ones. Upon confirmation, it was a message from GiveDirectly stating that I had received the transfer of KES 55000.00. I was so happy for receiving the money at a time when the drought was having no mercy on us.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For some time, I desired to keep livestock at my home but due to poverty, I could not buy any. I am grateful because GiveDirectly fulfilled my desire. In addition to that, if it were not for GiveDirectly maybe I could be still waking up tired due to the nature of the bed that I was using. I am happy that through GiveDirectly I managed to get a nice bed and a mattress to sleep on. Currently, I wake relaxed not as before when I used to wake up tired.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I first bought a bale of maize flour to ensure that I have enough food at home. I also bought a cow knowing that it will produce milk both for sale and family use. The milk would serve as income-generating work once the cow gives birth. Having been sleeping on a poor traditional bed and a mat, I saw it prudent to buy a good modern bed and a mattress for KES 7500.00. I again thought it a nice thing. I sent four plastic chairs for seating on. In the livestock category, I also bought 2 goats. For the remaining amount of money, I bought some food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that my family can at least have three meals in a day for a while. This is because I plan to buy 5 sacks of maize immediately when I receive this money. This will cost me KES 15000. I will further spend KES 20000 to buy a bed and mattress to avoid the cold floor. I will then invest in goat farming since goats survive better during drought seasons compared to cows. I planning to start with 10 goats that will cost me KES 30000.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I will lying to say that I am happy. However, the fact that I sleep and wake up when I am healthy of body and sound, that makes me joyous.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest challenge that I am currently facing in my life. This has be made worse by the dry weather conditions in our area. It has been over 2 years since we experience ample rainfall in our area.
