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 7 am while cooking tea for breakfast. That's when my young son informed me that I had received KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly. I was very happy and withdrew the money a few days later.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily since I started receiving the transfers is peace because I now own my piece of land. As a result, I have planted maize which will ensure the adequacy of food for my family come the next harvest season.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a widow and a mother of six. To feed my family I normally rely on water vending for the last 13 years and in a day I get up to KES 100.
When I received my transfers, I was very happy since my dream of owning land had come to pass. I, therefore, spent KES 50,000 on a quarter an acre of land. This is because I am a widow and as a result, I have been ill-treated by my inlaws over land hence the need to own land.
The remaining KES 3,200 I spent on a bag of maize that can still sustain us for the next one week. Earlier I used to spend KES 300 daily on a household budget but after the transfers, the budget has reduced to KES 200. I also spent KES 1,500 on the payment of school fees for my kids in primary school. Before, I used to do rope weaving for school fees.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Livestock does well in our region, this makes me think of starting the business of keeping and rearing livestock. Despite good production, the selling of livestock and its products is profitable. I will therefore spare KES 70000 to buy a cow and four sheep. This will enable me to earn more income for my family in the future. I make ropes and sell them to earn a living, this gives me about KES 200 daily, this money is little not enough to use as capital for this enterprise. Persistent food shortage has also been another challenge for me, this makes me consider stocking enough food for my family with the remaining money. This will lower the burden and stress of providing food for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been enjoying the gift of good health for the last six months. This made me happy as I can work and provide for my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food shortages have been my biggest challenge, I am earning about KES 200 daily from my small business of making and selling ropes. This money is small and not enough to provide for the family.
