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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After years of relying on subsistence farming for household consumption with no additional income, I aspired to start a business but lacked the capital to do so. However, with the first transfer I received, I was able to kickstart a poultry project, in which I intend to invest more of the transfer. My aim is to establish a reliable source of income to support the education of my two young children in primary school. Currently, I have over 20 birds and plan to breed them, multiply the flock, and sell them for profit. I also intend to use the income from poultry sales to set up a shop business, diversifying my livelihood beyond subsistence farming. Additionally, I purchased enough chicken feed for the project. Furthermore, I replaced my old, uncomfortable mattress with a new one for $280, and I now sleep soundly on it. The remaining was spent on purchasing foodstuffs and other essential household items that were lacking in my household.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For the past ten years, I found it challenging to replace my beddings, and I had been using an old mattress that was no longer comfortable. The idea of purchasing a new mattress seemed unattainable due to the cost. However, when I received my first transfer, I decided to invest in a new durable mattress that cost $280, and I believe it will serve me well for years to come. Additionally, I've started a poultry project, breeding over 20 chickens. I've always wanted a reliable source of income, especially to support my two children's education. My plan is to generate enough money from this project to eventually start another business in order to create more income sources.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at home with a friend that evening, engaged in conversation, when I received a message on my phone. I didn't check it immediately, choosing to finish our conversation first. When I finally checked, I realised that it was an M-Pesa message informing me that I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt happy, knowing that this was an opportunity to change my life and fulfill many of my long-held desires that were previously hindered by financial constraints. As I shared the good news with my wife, I couldn't stop smiling and expressing my gratitude to GiveDirectly for their financial support.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In the past 1 year, my life has never been the same because of stomach complications. In February 2024, the situation worsened and I was rushed to hospital where I was diagnosed with appendix problem. This forced me to undergo an operation that has made me inactive at work. Since I am a family man, I feel so much depressed to desperately watch my family at home. In addition, I am not supposed to actively engage myself in any activity for a period of eight months. What a stressful life! For this period, I have been depending on well-wishers and this makes my life so tough.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Recently, in this month of April 2024, my family together with other friends visited me at home to conduct a party for me as we thank God for a successful operation. This made me feel their sympathy and I generally felt being loved by the large community. Personally, I also thank God for the great sigh of relief that I am getting day by day. It's been a tough journey that has a good outcome. Hence, this is what has brought me joy.
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
What a great sigh of relief to have received GiveDirectly to our home! Since I am currently not active at work due to my health condition, I am majorly depending on my wife as the sole breadwinner. This has currently posed a challenge to me as the household head and receiving this money means a huge boost. I plan to save half of the money in a sacco to earn me a monthly interest. The remaining half ($550) will help my wife to start a small business of selling foodstuffs at home. This will act as our source of income to support the family and also to boost our savings from the profit. My end goal is to ensure I complete my house that has remained unfinished for a period of six years now. Hence, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
