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 moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
Receiving this money was the happiest thing that has ever happened to me in this life, I can vividly recall that I was looking after my cows when suddenly my daughter came rushing towards where I was, she was looking all happy and excited, upon asking what the smiles were all about, that was when she broke the good news that we had received money from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with happiness, I was relieved and happy because this meant that I would be able to accomplish the goals that which I was unable to achieve due to financial constraints.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Witnessing my son pursue his dream career has been my greatest joy, he is a very brilliant student and my prayer was for him to pursue his dreams without any major obstacle, the happiest part is that he is in his final year, and I am grateful that I was able to pay for his tuition fees and accommodation right on time so that he can get time to concentrate on his books. I am grateful for the support that has lifted our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My son is pursuing his career at the university at moment, raising his tuition fee and accommodation has been challenging because I do not have a reliable source of income. When I received my transfer I prioritized paying for his tuition fee and accommodation, thus I used KES 10,000, I then thought of buying a dairy cow so that I would add to the one that I had, thus, I used KES 25,000, lastly, I bought foodstuffs with the remaining part of the transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means my grandson will complete his university education and graduate next year. I am a widow and I am looking after my grandson who his father left behind and went to live in another town. Due to old age, I strain alot to get money to pay for his KES 100,000 university school fees per year. I only depend on my one dairy cow that produces 3 litres of milk per day which I sell to earn daily income. However how much I struggle to save money, it is hardly enough to cater for all his needs from shelter, food and school fees. I was very happy to hear that Givedirectly was coming to my village because it will lift the burden from me. I plan on spending KES 50,000 to pay for his final semester school fees and use KES 30,000 to buy another dairy cow.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In July this year, my only cow calfed and that brought me happiness. I get KES 90 per day from selling 3 litres of milk that I get in surplus after using 2 litres for home consumption. This has enabled me to meet my basic needs such as food and other necessities comfortably. I am grateful to God because I nolonger bother my children to give me money for food.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I live in a semi arid area and for the last few years our land has been very unproductive. Maize does not do well and we depend on livestock keeping. Sometimes it fails to rain for several months and milk production goes down affecting my income directly. I am forced to buy everyday maize meal that costs me KES 50 which I find it difficult to raise sometimes.
