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?
The moment I received my transfer, I was in the fields looking after my animals, on returning home my daughter informed me that I had received a Mpesa notification from GiveDirectly, I was so happy and excited, I knew that with the transfer I would be able to accomplish the plans that we had, I was so relieved because I knew that the money was unconditional thus I will not be required to repay it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life today is that I was able to purchase a water tank, our area is semi-arid, getting clean water for drinking is a bit of a challenge, therefore we thought of buying a water tank so that we would be able to harvest rainwater. I am grateful for the support that brought so much happiness in our lives, I have never witnessed any organization giving out unconditional cash in my entire life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had sold out most of my cows to see my daughter through high school and college education, this was the only way I had in raising her school fees. When I was promised the unconditional transfer I was relieved because I knew that I will be able to sort out the remaining school fees arrears, therefore I used KES 20,000 in paying for the school fees arrears. I then bought a water tank worth KES15,000, Lastly, I bought foodstuffs and other household items with the remaining part of the transfer.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means clean and plenty water for home consumption and livestock. I live in an area that is prone to prolonged drought. The river where we fetch water is quiet some distance and since my wife is the one to, she struggles alot due to her age. My desire has been to purchase 5,000 litres water storage tank. The KES 100 per day I get from livestock keeping only caters for our up keep since we are no longer able to do casual jobs. I will use KES 25,000 to purchase the tank.This will enable us to harvest water whenever there is rain for future use. The other remaining amount of transfers I will use it to purchase another dairy cow.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last six months, having enough food is what has brought joy to my family. We harvested around 5 sacks of maize and since we are only 2 people it is more than enough and it can last us for several months. This also means that the expenditure I spend on buying food is reduced.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The current challenge we have facing now financial constraints. Due to our age, we are no longer able to work like before. We hire people to do our jobs like bring water for domestic use and consumption. Per day it consumes all the KES 100 we earn receive from livestock keeping.
