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 learnt that I had received money from GiveDirectly early in the morning the following day. I had earlier heard people claim that they had received their share the previous night but it was not until I got the infirmation from my son Joseph Chumo who had my phone and came to share the good news with me.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the Bock house that I am about to build it has always been my desire to build a better and more permanent house and I am happy that my dream shall be realized. I will always be grateful to GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I used almost my entire transfer to buy building blocks and cement as I prepare to build a new house. I have been living in a timber walled house but have always had the desire to build a new and more permanent house for my family. I am happy that this dream is soon going to be a reality courtesy of GiveDirectly funds. I used the remaining amount to buy food for my family.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a stable source of income. I am past my prime years meaning I am not active economically hence relying on government cash transfers for the old and sometimes my sons. Being a widow and looking after three orphaned grandchildren at the same time without reliable earnings is difficult. I intend to use KES 40000 to buy one dairy cow and by doing this, I will be getting milk for domestic use and surplus for commercial sale. I project to be getting a surplus of 10 liters translating to KES 400 daily. This will enable me to meet my family's basic needs such as food and school fees comfortably and consistently.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last month, My son who works in Nairobi decided to buy 2 bags of maize for me. Having been struggling to get maize due to high prices, I was very happy with the kind gesture. The maize will take me a long way.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is a challenge because apart from government cash transfers( which are not reliable as I do not receive them every month), I depend on my children to fend for me. I feel I burden them as they have their own families to take care of Also, due to my old age, I cannot cultivate land forcing me to purchase food from the market which is quite expensive.
