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?
That evening, I was relaxing at home in the evening after a tiresome day at work when I received the cash transfer message. At first, I couldn't believe it because I was broke and devastated and didn't know what to put on the table the following day.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I was able to buy a cow and start a green grocery store. Right now, I have been able to start a green grocery store and I have started earning income which has been enabling me to put food on the table.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
For the longest time, my desire was to buy a dairy cow so that I could leave casual jobs and start milk selling business. I couldn't have achieved this dream because I have been supporting my two children alone from the KES 3000 monthly salary that I earn as a waitress after my husband abandoned us. Being enrolled in the program was a dream come true because I knew I was going to achieve several goals that I had set. I spend KES 27,000 to buy a dairy cow, KES 10,000 to buy food, KES 5000 to pay school fees and the balance to start a green grocery business.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I aspire to venture into the business of rearing and keeping of livestock. This will enable me earn more income to my family through the sale of surplus milk and livestock products. Milk being nutritious and staple meal for children, my four children will now have plenty milk and their health will drastically improve. Therefore I will plan KES 60,000 to buy a dairy cow and sheep. I will do maize farming with the remaining money to have adequate food for my family. This will make me happy and feel relieved from the struggle of buying food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
We have been enjoying good health for the last six months apart from the struggle of providing food for my children. This made me feel happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I do not have a cow and this forces me to buy milk for my children. This has increased the cost of living in my family. I earn KES 100 from weeding farms which is not sustainable for us. At times we skip meals to survive which is sad.
