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?
I was working on my daily routines and on getting back home to check my phone; I was very excited to confirm that the message pop-up was from GiveDirectly and bore the good news. I was with my children at that moment who had just come back from school and we had to celebrate the good news together.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the complete turnaround when I was almost losing hope in life. After the complete destruction of my house by fire, I was glad to start the new construction and purchase all the household goods that were destroyed. My family is happy and grateful to GiveDirectly for their enormous support.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received the first transfer when I was in dire need after my only house that sheltered my family of four burned to ashes. With the help of the neighbors and the village leadership, I raised KES 11000 through a fund drive and use it to purchase some construction materials. I spent KES 18000 out of the first transfer on putting up a spacious house for my family. In addition, I spent KES 8100 on obtaining a new piece of furniture, bought new clothing for every member of my family at KES 10000, and also fenced around my piece of land with part of the remaining amount. I am glad that we are living in a magnificent structure at the moment with my children. With the remaining KES 15000, I cleared school fees for my three children, who are comfortably studying well without any disturbance in their schools at the moment.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Production and sale of milk have been my main source of income. With this, I can support my family and put food on the table. But recently I have had no peace of mind, I am worried that the owner of the cow might come for it. This money gives me hope of having my cow. I will set KES 40,000 to buy a dairy cow and venture into dairy farming. To guarantee my family of stable income, I will set aside KES 20,000 for poultry farming. This will enable me to tap more income through the sale of chicken and eggs. The remaining money will also help me renovate my house now that I am still living in mud houses which are expensive to maintain.
What is the happiest part of your day?
It came out as a surprise to me when my brother helped me pay school fees for my son in Cheboyo secondary school in March. I was so happy and even felt emotional with his selfless heart. I was struggling a lot to pay fees with my little income of KES 200 daily.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Paying school fees for my son at Cheboyo Secondary school has been an uphill task for me. The pain point is that I do not have a stable income. I rely on subsistence farming to earn a living which is about KES 200 daily. This is not enough for the family and makes me feel sad.
