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 at home enjoying a cup of tea together with my brother when I heard my phone ringing, I was full of happiness when I saw a Mpesa notification showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly, I then informed my wife and brother of the wonderful news, it was the happiest day in our lives and we were so grateful that the transfer came at the right time of need.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own a dairy cow, My children would be getting milk for daily consumption hence I will be able to save on the cost of milk, at the same time I renovated my house by painting it, we are approaching the rainy season and I am hoping that I will be able to earn some extra cash from the farm which is all set for planting. I am happy that my future is promising because of the money that has changed my life into a new living standard. I am so grateful for the support that impacted my life to a very admirable lifestyle.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a casual labourer with five children to fend for, My source of income is unreliable most of the time, when I received my transfer, I saw it as a once in a lifetime opportunity, it is not every day where you get to get such a huge amount of money as a grant, therefore, I promised myself that I would use the money wisely so that I may change my life to a better one, So I used KES 22,000in buying a dairy cow so that my children would have milk, I then used KES 2500 in preparing my farm for the next planting season and lastly I painted my house with KES 2000, I used the remaining transfer in buying foodstuffs.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
At the moment, I am the only person among my agemates who does not own a cow and this is making me feel bad. This situation has also subjected me to a lot of shame as my wife is forced to go around the village early in the morning to borrow milk from neighbors. Because we live in a tick-infested area, I plan to buy a crossbreed cow worth 35000 shillings due to its ability to survive in this place. This will give me milk that will greatly improve the health of my children who seem malnourished now.
What is the happiest part of your day?
No one is sure that he will go to bed in the evening and wakes up alive the next morning. My happiest part of the day is always in the morning when I wake up healthy and strong.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Having to feed my family is a complete nightmare to me. I entirely depend on casual jobs which again are not guaranteed. The much I can earn is 150 shillings per day which is a drop in the sea considering that I have a family of 7 members to provide for.
