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 have completed the construction process that was ongoing at home. I depend on small scale farming at home to earn an income to meet other basic needs. I had started construction a house and at some point, it stopped because I had no extra money to complete the process. When I received the money from GiveDirectly I was so happy because I knew I would be able to complete the work in progress. Currently, the house is complete and my family lives in a better and spacious house compared to the one that we were living before. I am so happy because our living standard has changed to be better.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment when I received my money I felt so happy. I remember it was very early in the morning when I heard a message notification on my phone little did I know that it was money from GiveDirectly. I immediately inform my spouse who was not home at that particular time and he was so happy. We planned that morning together through the phone how to spent the money.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent my first transfer to start a poultry keeping project, I bought six hens for a start, I also used some to complete the construction that was ongoing and the rest of the money I am planning to start a Mpesa business at the shopping center. This will generate an income to support my daily activities at home.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I had a mobile money transfer (M-pesa) shop that closed down due to financial constraints. When I receive my first transfer, I am going to spend $300 to revive the business and another part of the second transfer to improve the business. I have high hopes that this business will do well, from which I can make savings and further my studies in college in the near future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Livestock keeping is my family's main source of income. Most part of my day involves looking after our dairy cows; making sure they get enough feeds so as to get maximum yields. This is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
When I finished college two years ago, I had high hopes that I was going to land a job. Reality dawned and I couldn't find employment. I took a loan of $400 to start a mobile money transfer(M-pesa) shop around home, an investment that collapsed due to high demands for household needs. I have since stayed home jobless and hopeless yet I have a diploma certificate. This is the biggest hardship I've faced in my life.
