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 around 8 o'clock, I was preparing breakfast for the family before going out to the field to herd my livestock. I was with my co-wife and our husband at home when I received the message alert on my phone. After checking, I learned that I had received the transfer on it. It was the happiest day of our life for receiving our transfer. I am helpful that I will be able to support my livestock keeping.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is I am currently happy after improving my livestock keeping by purchasing more animals with the transfer. In addition, my business is growing after investing part of the transfer into it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Being a small-scale livestock farmer, I spent my transfer to purchase 2 indigenous dairy cows at KES 28000. This was to improve it because I had one cow as well as a future investment for the family. In addition, I bought a permanent door for KES 10,000 and fixed it at my small shop. Earlier, the one I had was not strong enough, and always worried that thieves might break into my shop. Similarly, I repaired it by putting up a floor. In addition, I used KES 5000 to boost my business by purchasing more stocks. With the remaining amount, I bought enough food for the family .
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a sustainable source of income for me. I am a charcoal burner, a very tiresome job, and my income is as little as KES 500 per week. This amount can not fully cater to all our basic needs. My plan is therefore to spend KES 20000 to start a small business (kiosk) and this will ensure me of getting an estimated profit of KES 300 per day. I will also use KES 30000 to buy 6 goats that will act as a long-term investment project for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the month of September, I sold 10 sacks of charcoal at KES 5000. I used the money to buy 2 indigenous goats at KES 5000. This brought me joy and happiness because it was my first time to earn the amount at once. It has enabled me to reach my ambitious of starting livestock farming.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The challenge that I am currently facing is health related. I have been suffering from stomach ache for over 20 years now. I have sought medication but due lack of enough money the condition has not yet be cured because I do not complete the prescribed dosage.
