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 have six goats. I am hoping very soon they will multiply and fill the animal shed that I will have built. Already some have started reproducing which gives me hopes that the future is bright. My wish is to start selling the offsprings ones they have matured. I believe I will get good money because of their high demand. I plan to use the profits to open a kiosk, this will be my additional source of income. Through all these, I will get enough income that will help me in paying school fees for my children and still cater for my family's basic needs without straining too much.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember vividly well it was around 3:30 am when I saw the notification from my mobile phone. When I checked its content, I realized it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly informing that I have received my first transfer. I was so glad because I did not believe it would happen at the time of enrollment. They finally erased the doubts I had about this institution. At first, I knew they just came to waste our time just like many other institutions that have come and went without keeping their promise. I can't find the correct words to express my joy by I was so excited and I deeply thank Give Directly for their help.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer on buying six goats. I plan to later sell the offsprings and channel to money to other income generating activities. Secondly, I bought some building materials like twenty pieces of iron sheets and a few timber with the intention to construct a house because my previous house was very small and I had a big family. I also bought sufficient foodstuff for my family that will last for a while. I spent the remaining amount of money to clear school fees for my children. I don't want them to be distracted because they have to perform well in their studies. I know because I have cleared the fees they won't be sent home which means they won't miss lessons. I thank Give Directly for enabling me to do all these within a short period of time
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a widow with a child to take care of. However, the task of providing for her needs is always difficult because I cannot do tedious jobs ever since my hand got disabled due to an accident. Receiving this money means changing my life for the better. I will buy an oxen and ox plough in order to expand my farming. I plan to use the remaining amount to buy eight goats and also repairing my house.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I spend most of my day at home because I cannot do much work due to my health situation. When I wake up, I clean my compound and start my daily work of making bed ropes. In the afternoon, I prepare lunch which I share with my grandchildren. Seeing them enjoying their meals makes me feel very happy and this is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My hand cannot support me to do heavy jobs ever since I had an accident five years ago. This has forced me to rely on my son who is doing casual jobs in Mombasa. Since his job is not reliable, his support is rarely consistent and therefore, lack of reliable source of income is my biggest hardship.
