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 about 9 pm and was already asleep. I was woken by vibration from my phone. Upon checking, it is a confirmation message with a receipt of money from Give directly. I was thankful and happy and couldn't wait to go and withdraw the following morning.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am happy with all that I purchased with my first transfer and am hoping to do more great things with my second transfer.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the long to-do list I had, my priority was to purchase sheep. With the first transfer, I spent Kshs.30,000 in six buying sheep. The sheep will serve both for domestic purposes and can sell whenever I have an emergency. I also spent Ksh 12,500 on buying furniture since I didn't have one. Am happy that I have decent furniture and where my visitors can sit comfortably. With Kshs.5,000, I purchased solar lights, a wet battery, and connection cables with bulbs. Am happy that now I no longer struggle with lantern lamps because they brought me health issues because of a lot of smoke. In addition, I also spent Kshs.1500 in tilling my land and planted maize seedlings which are now waiting for the harvest season. With the remaining amount, I used to buy food.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have always desired to keep livestock on my farm.However, I am unable to buy them since I am only a casual labourer earning KES 300 per day. Receiving this money means buying sheep to rear here at about KES 40,000. It will be a better source of income than the casual jobs as the sheep will multiply. Home improvement will also be part of my budget. I will spend about KES 10,000 on this. I will then save the remaining amount as a I plan other ways to spend it.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is during the day. This is when I can meet and be with people in my village. Overnight and in the morning hours, I go into deep thoughts and any stressful issues that I come across easily drive me into depression. I, therefore, enjoy the day when I can easily find people to interact with and sometimes share issues in my mind, relieving me from stress.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship that I face is being lonely. I live alone ever since my two daughters decided yo get married.My husband is married to 7 wives, I included.He spends almost all the time in the year in the other households. I asked my last born to forego marriage and live here but she could not accept this Idea. I get stressed up most of the times and I think I am too lonely. I intend to adopt a child so that I have someone to stay with. I will spend part of the money from these transfers to follow the legal adoption procedures.
