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 thrilled me when I first received the money early in the morning as I woke up. I was with my husband who was happy as well since we had been expecting as we align on the viable projects that we needed to complete. Since we were sure that it was safe in the account, we could not withdraw immediately but afterward when we were set.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the improved dairy shed that was getting older and allowing rainwater in through the holes on the rusted iron sheets. Milking the cows at the moment is easy even when raining since we have fixed the roof with new iron sheets.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving and collecting my first transfer, I spent KES 35000 on obtaining construction materials and paying the labor force for the repair of a dairy shed. At the moment, I have nine dairy cows that needed extension and replacement of weaker poles and rusted iron sheets on the roof. I have been running this project for the past seven years and even though it has been very challenging during the dry seasons; it has proven to be profitable as it has been the primary source of income for my family of four. The remaining amount came in handy after topping it up with the small savings that we had to buy a new smartphone for my daughter, who is currently pursuing a medical course. I am glad that I could make a huge transformation that would not have been possible without the transfer.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Dairy farming being our main source of income, the money from GiveDirectly will allow me to finish up the dairy house I have been building for so many years. I am planning on spending KES 50,000 to complete the dairy house. I will also add animal feds of KES 30,000 to increase milk production since I have been milking approximately 100 liters of milk daily and selling at KES 40 per liter.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Seeing my family healthy and united has always been the greatest thing in my life. Recently my son got married and added a grandson into the family, having grandchildren is a joy to every parent in society.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Currently, my biggest challenge is buying animal feds. The cost has escalated hence becoming unaffordable and milk production has reduced drastically making life hard since it is my major source of income.
