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 life is that I have bought a water tank and luckily, I have started harvesting rainwater in it. I am glad that the time which I had been spending on several trips to a distant river is now well spent on other household chores and caring for my livestock. This has translated to my household having easy access to clean water all because of GiveDirectly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my first , I was doubtful and I decided to buy airtime for 50 KES to confirm if its was true . It went through and this was a clear confirmation that Givedirectly had sent money . I was very happy since my childhood I have never even benefited from my government donations hence it was a great surprise . Thumb up GiveDirectly .
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent 16,000 KES of my first transfer to buy 20 pieces of iron sheet . I intend to build a new house with them later after completing the construction of my neighbors since I am a masonry by occupation . I bought a heifer , water tank and food for the Christmas season . I paid school for my two children who are in secondary school with the remaining amount .
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I currently own two semi-indigenous breed of cattle.They are mainly for milk production.Dairy farming as an economic activity does so well in this area and there is always a ready market for milk.At the moment,these cows produce 9 Litres a day and I have always wished to upgrade to a more exotic dairy breed.This will increase milk output to 20 Litres hence guaranteeing a better income for my family.Receiving this money will enable me buy two more cows as well as sell the two and buy a better one with the money from their sale and the remainder from my transfer.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Every morning,I leave home to look for house construction work within and outside the village.The work of a house constructor "fundi" (as reffered to in swahili) is always so demanding and sometimes am required to work very far from home.As a result,I do not get time to spend with my family within the day.In the evening,when I return home,I am always very happy and I use this time to catch up with my spouse and children.Having that moment to chat as well as share the evening meal makes this the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My family lives and cultivates 0.5 acres of land.This land size is only sufficient to produce food for the family and none is left for commercial purposes.I have two children in secondary school who entirely depend on milk sale from my two cows for their school fees.There is always a period in the year when the cows no longer produce milk.This means that during that time raising school fees is always a challenge.Even though I work as a house constructor,this does not guarantee an income because it is not everyday that buildings are put up.Hence,the children may be sent home for fees and we are not able to raise it.The lack of a consistent source of income to raise school fees for my children is the biggest hardship I have faced.
