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 several assets. Initially, I owned none of them, and I had no hopes of getting any anytime soon. Through the transfer from GiveDirectly, I managed to purchase two calves and four goats which will reproduce and increase in number. This will definitely change my life because I have something to hold on to in case anything happens.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the notification early in the morning as I was preparing to start my days' activities. On checking to confirm, It was a message from GiveDirectly informing me that my first transfer had been sent to my Mpesa account. I was so happy because finally, I would fulfil my dreams. It also removed my doubts of being sent the money. It appeared like a dream when they first came and told us their plans. I remember I stopped whatever I was doing and started planning how to spend the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent part of the transfers to enrol my daughter in high school since she had stayed home for a year after completing her primary education. I believe by educating her I will be empowering her to since she can be employed and be self-reliant in the future. I also bought two calves that I am currently rearing hoping they will reproduce in future and increase in number. I will also be getting milk from them which will supplement our meals and improve our diet. I will also sell the surplus to the local dairy shop in order to earn us some income. In addition to all these, I also purchased four goats that to me are assets that can be sold in future specifically for emergency situations. I have been sleeping on an old traditional bed with no hopes of improving my bedding. However, through the transfer, I managed to buy a new wooden bed and also replaced the old used clothes and rags that I had used with a new a mattress, courtesy of GiveDirectly. At least now I enjoy a comfortable sleep which was never the case before.
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
At my age, I find it extremely difficult to plough my farm manually, it is exhausting and time consuming. I also can not cover a large area which means less harvest. Receiving this money means buying oxen and an ox plough that will help me in farming so that I can increase my yield. It will also save my energy and time which I can use in doing other activities that can generate income for me. Secondly, I will buy two dairy cows so that I can supply milk in Bamba and Mariakani markets to enable me earn extra income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiest part of the day is in the afternoon. Having spent the whole morning in the farm and doing house chores, this is the time I get to rest and spend time with my grandchildren.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I had depended on my husband for provision but since he passed on, I have single handedly raised my children without any meaningful employment. Food, clothing and education are basic needs that to date I still struggle to provide. I mostly rely on farming to feed my family but the rains have not been consistent for the past two years. Lack of financial resources has been my biggest hardship in life.
