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 at about 4 pm when I realized I had received a message from Givedirectly bearing the great news that we had been promised in the past weeks by the officers. I could not wait to close my business of selling vegetables so that I go home and share the news with my family members. I was so thankful to God and Givedirectly for the support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Achieving all the plans I had is the biggest difference in my daily life. I am grateful that I have seen a lot improve in my family and hoping to do more with my second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent Kshs.20,000 in building a three-roomed iron-roofed house. We had been living in a single grass-thatched house which would leak during the rainy season hence not conducive to spend the night because of cold. With Kshs.26,000 we used to purchase a heifer which will calf in a few months been buying costly milk and at times we would end up drinking strong tea just to satisfy ourselves selves before commencing our daily activities. I am hopeful that once it calves we will get adequate milk for consumption and also we can get a surplus to sell to get an extra income. With the amount that remained, we used to buy maize which will sustain us pro harvest season. I am super grateful for the support we have so far received from Givedirectly.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means sufficient food in my family. I am a widow and fending for a family of 3 singlehandedly has become hard because I am not getting any younger. I have a small grocery business in the nearby center which earns me an estimated profit of KES 100 a day. That amount of cash is unsustainable especially in buying basic household needs such as food. My priority now is to buy foodstuffs such as maize because this is our staple food. I intend to spend approximately KES 15,000 to buy maize that will take us throughout the year and spend the rest to build a kitchen. I feel elated that soon I will realize my dream of having sufficient food in my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My last born son who is always there for me has brought joy to my life. Whenever I lack food in my house, my son comes in handy to save the situation because I have no one to depend on. I am also happy that none of my family members have gone to bed empty stomach for the past 6 months.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the major challenge that I am currently facing. Over the past 5 years, we have experienced minimal rainfall in our area and that has led to low crop production. Maize necrosis disease has also contributed to food insecurity because we have been unable to harvest enough maize. I feel sad that my 0.5 acres of land which used to cushion us have become futile because nothing grows at all. When luck comes, we harvest at least one bag of it, and if the condition persists, I fear that we will die of hunger.
