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 a pair of oxen that will facilitate my farming. Initially, I used to hire from neighbors during the planting season and it was expensive. Due to this, I could only manage to till a small acreage. I am happy that for the next seasons to come, I will no longer be hiring these services. In addition to this, I will be able to till my whole acreage for better harvests.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I woke up early that morning to attend to my daily chores. I decided to check through my messages on my phone. As I went through them, I saw that there was a Mpesa message and I was curious to know who could have sent me money at that time. I realized that it was from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my first transfer on my phone. I called for my helper to confirm to me if this message was true. I was thankful and happy for the money. I could at least smile again having gone through financial challenges and hardships for many years.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent KES 28000 of my first transfer to purchase a pair of oxen. Since rainfall is unreliable in our region, having the pair is more economical. If readily available, it will allow me to prepare, cultivate, and plant early for better harvests. I used to hire from neighbors previously which was expensive for me. I also used KES 11000 to pay school fees for my children in school. I did this to enable them to continue with their studies without any interruptions on school fees. I spent the remaining amount to pay for the household basic needs such as food and other household expenses.
Enrolled
access_time almost 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My children sleep in a kitchen and this makes me quite unhappy. This is because my house does not have enough space to accommodate the whole family. I will therefore use the transfer to construct a bigger and better house. I will also purchase oxen to scale up farming as well as hiring them to my neighbours to generate income. In addition, I will clear school fee arrears for my two children and also spend some for medical checkup.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am mostly happy in the evening after a long day in the farm. This is the only time I get to rest as I bond with my family. Their presence gives me joy because we encourage each other.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I went through a medical operation that has left me with frequent abdominal pains. This has made me financially unproductive because I am unable to undertake heavy jobs. Providing for my family is a very big challenge. My children are always sent home for school fees and I always make fake promises to the school that I will pay, yet I know I have nothing.
