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?
I was very happy when I first received the transfer, I thanked God and GiveDirectly for the support that I had been expecting since I was enrolled. It was early in the morning then and my helper had the phone and immediately informed me that we had received the transfer. I visited the nearby shopping center with him later in the day and withdrew all the amount.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the purchase of two bullocks that are coming in handy in land preparation and planting once they are trained to be oxen. I had been paying a lot in hiring oxen from the neighborhood but I am glad that I can also provide the same service at a fee to other villagers during planting seasons.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the first transfer on obtaining two bullocks at a total cost of KES 40000. The cost was so high when we received the transfer but I could not wait since I did not want the money to be diverted into any other arising expense. I am glad that even though one of the bullocks struggled catching up with the new environments, I managed to call a doctor who ensure the administration of the right medication that cost me KES 3000. The two will be helpful in farming when they grow to oxen, and will drastically cut the cost of the farm operation and planting that I had been meeting. I also spent KES 4000 on buying a sack of maize that we are using with my only son who is still staying with me and cleared the debt that I had in the nearby shop with the remaining amount. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for the great support and hope that the second transfer will support other projects that I have.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am growing old and less energetic to activily engage in either farming or casual jobs. I had a herd of cattle while I was still young but I sold them to family needs. Currently, I am living rely on my children for some needs. I loved livestock farming since I majorly relied on. I have had dream of owning them again but the lack of financial stability did not allow me. To me receiving this money means hope again in life. I wish to use KES 40000 to buy two dairy cow. Having this will help me meet my daily household needs. I will have milk from my farm for both household consumption and sales. I am certain I will be able to live independently again since the money will help meet my daily needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I no longer go far like before in search of casual jobs. I have spend my entire life currently within my farm. In the last six months, I have enjoyed the present of my children and grandchildren in my life. I have received enough support from them both financial and physiological. This are the most I need my current old age.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is my current challenge. Though I have a piece of land, my age and lack of finance has given me a challenge to cultivate it making it less productive. I yearly have food shortage in my household due to less production.
