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 attending to my livestock early that morning. I had my phone on my hand and when the message came in, I almost ignored it thinking that they were the normal alerts messages. However, I was greatly overjoyed after reading the contents. I had received my first transfer from GiveDirectly. I thanked them for making me realise my financial goals.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My main source of income was from providing maize milling services in our village. For sure, this was doing really good and now that many people have been able to harvest plenty, there would be a big demand for this service. Because of this, I used a larger portion of this transfer to top up my savings to facilitate the acquisition of a new maize milling machine, which was costing KES 80000. I am expecting to earn an increased income unlike before. I believe through it then I will be able to educate my children as well as effectively meet my household basic needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been operating a maize milling business which has been my main source of income. This has been an investment I own besides the livestock I keep. Because I was getting a good income, my plan was to buy another machine to increase my earnings. When I received my first transfer, I took KES 49000 and bought a new machine and installed it. In addition to this, I also took a portion to take my children for medication. I paid some school fees for my children and did some shopping for my family on clothing for my children as well as paying for some other household basic needs.
Enrolled
access_time over 4 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My husband owns a poshomill but it not productive enough because of stiff competition. Besides, it is mostly active during seasons when there is farm produce which means it can be dormant for up to 6 months. This means we do not have a reliable source of income and our dream is to stabilize our financial resources. In this regard, our plan is start a second hand clothes business in our village. This is because most people can afford them but they have to walk to Bamba market on Wednesdays to access the goods. In addition, we will purchase livestock that will cater for future financial needs especially school fees and emergencies.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am happier in the evening after a long day of household chores. My duties involve looking for water, cooking, washing as well as farm work. Although its my routine, these duties are quite energy draining since I hardly get time to rest.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial insufficiency which is my biggest hardship has resulted into less provision of basic needs. My husband who is the sole breadwinner earns around 200 shillings in a good day. Is this amount enough to cater for 5 people? In most cases we focus on the most sensitive needs which are food and medical thus overlooking clothes and decent living.
