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 shocked first. I was the first to break the news to the other members of my compound that GiveDirectly had sent some transfers. It was one of the greatest moments in my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference is that I'm able to sleep on a comfortable bed and a matress. I'm always happy when I go to sleep.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer to buy 5 goats for domestic rearing. I received the transfer at a time I didn't have a bed, so I went ahead and bought a 5ft by 6ft bed. Am planning to use the balance to modify my house and add two more rooms.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am depending on subsistence farming for my family upkeep. Being old and unable to work as usual on my farm due to the deteriorating health condition, I have desired to start an alternative livelihood like goats rearing which require less energy and muscles to perform. Receiving this money means accomplishment of my desire as I am planning to purchase 10 goats at Kenya shillings 3500 each. This will be my longterm investment that I will be able to sale whenever I have financial challenges. I will use the remaining amount to feed my family and educating my 2 children who are in primary school.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day this is because I get enough time to rest my body after work. It also at this time that I meet my 2 young daughters after they come from school. We usually share dinner together while narrating stories to each other something that makes me happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is my biggest hardship I am facing my life this has been brought about by drought we have been experiencing. I am happy that I will be able to have an alternative source of income something that will transform our life for the better.
