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 biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own goats. I decided to rear goats because they require minimal attention compared to other domestic animals. I believe the goats will increase in number at a high rate because they normally reproduce twice a year. I am now hopeful and happier because most of my dreams are now achievable. When they multiply, I am planning to sell some of the offsprings at my local markets and that will be my source of income. I will also exchange them for a pair of oxen. The pair of oxen will help me in ploughing my farm and also I will be hiring it to my neighbors at a fee which will be my additional income. These are the well-thought assets that I believe they will totally change my life positively.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember vividly it was around 3 am when I heard my phone vibrating. When I checked what the notification was all about, I confirmed it was a Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. They had sent me my first transfer as they had promised during the enrolment. I was so excited.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of my first transfer on purchasing ten goats. I had been longing to rear livestock for years but due to my low income, I could not afford it. I decided to purchase goats because they reproduce twice a year. This means they will increase in number at a high rate. I also purchased enough foodstuffs for my family that would take us for months. I then bought some clothes for my children and my disabled spouse who is blind. The previous ones were all torn. I later deposited the remaining amount of money into my bank account.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My husband suffered stroke that paralysed his left leg and also made him completely blind. This reduced me to the sole breadwinner and to make ends meet, I burn charcoal and sell sisal fibres for a living. I earn very little and I am struggling too much to fend for my family. The only way I can change the situation is having a reliable source of income. This is achievable through these transfers which I will use to start a grocery business in my village. This will mean a constant flow of income to sustainably meet our needs. I will also invest in goat rearing project that will provide finances during emergencies.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Looking at my family's current situation, I am a very stressed person. It gets worse at night when I am alone in bed. However, in the morning it eases a bit because I interact with my friends. Their company makes me forget my problems because I concentrate on their jokes.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband's disability is such a big blow to the family. Raising four children single handedly has never been easy and providing for them is such a hustle. Besides being unable to provide food adequately, I was not able to take my three children to school. Only the last born made it to standard seven because I strain too much in terms of finances.
