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?
It was around 4 in the evening when I was from my friend's compound when I heard my phone ringing so loudly. I was a bit curious because I was not expecting to hear from anyone at that particular time. Without wasting time, I asked my helper to check for me where the message was coming from. I was overjoyed with happiness after realizing that it was from GiveDirectly informing me that I had received my first transfer. We started celebrating and thanking God for the blessings.
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 have two dairy cows that I am keeping on my homestead. I settled for the cows because, according to me, they have numerous benefits as compared to the rest. One is that I will be getting plenty of liters of milk. I am hopeful that soon I will start a business selling milk in the dairy shops and earn a living. Milk is scarce in my region and this guarantees me of getting enough returns. From the earnings, I will be able to pay fees for my children once they transition to secondary schools and colleges. Since I am now jobless and my spouse is very old and ailing, we have been depending on our relatives for our daily bread. Additionally, the remaining liters will be for the family's consumption and I trust my children will be healthier. I am pleased to have among the beneficiaries because my life will never be the same again.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying sixteen pieces of iron sheets at KES 10000. This was for the completion of my son's house since it had a temporary roof. During the winter seasons, he used to experience lots of damage and was forced to move to his friend's houses. As a parent, I am thankful after seeing him sheltering in a decent shelter. I later bought two dairy cows at KES 35000. I have been aspiring to have been for years but u could not afford it because they were very expensive. Also, I cleared the arrears of KES 3000 for four children who are in primary schools. I am grateful that am now studying peacefully without any difficulties like before. In addition to, that I purchased foodstuffs and decent clothes for my children.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My child has been struggling to erect a roof for his one-bedroom house and receiving this money means I'll be able to support him by buying for him 16 pieces of 2-metre iron sheets which cost KES.12000. I will also use some of the transfers to pay hospital bills when any family member falls sick.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The coming of rains in late December of 2021. I managed to plant 2 acres of maize. This gave me joy and happiness as a farmer.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As we speak I have not yet taken breakfast. Putting food on the table has been a challenge. My husband and I are subsistence farmers and because of lack of rain for a long period throughout 2021, we could not harvest anything.
