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 on the farm fetching firewood when my neighbor passed by and delivered the good news that he was going to withdraw money from his first transfer. I became very anxious, and I stooped, fetching more firewood, and hurriedly headed back home, where I had left my phone. I checked my phone upon reaching the house and was very excited when I saw the message showing I had received my first transfer. My face lit up with excitement as I smiled from ear to ear.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Buying the hens gives me hope soon I will have an alternative source of income through poultry farming. The money I will earn will help me in taking care of my family's needs. Currently, I am struggling to keep up with the ever-rising needs because of my low income. Therefore, the funds I used in buying the hens have made a tremendous difference in my life by ensuring I will have an alternative source of income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent half of my transfer which is KES 600 on buying three hens. I bought the hens so that I can venture into poultry farming as an alternative source of income. For over two years, I have missed out on earning substantial income due to the effects of the drought. The casual work of selling charcoal that I am currently engaged in earns me very little, which is not enough to take care of my family’s (husband and 2 children) needs (school fees, food, and clothing). As the only breed winner of the family, it necessitates the need to have an alternative income because my husband cannot work because of old age. Besides buying the hens, I spent the remaining amount of KES 600 to buy food after making no sales on the charcoal in the previous two weeks, leaving me with no money to buy food.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been a source of ridicule in my neighborhood due to how dilapidated my house is. People assume I am irresponsible. Nobody wishes to live in a house of such a condition. It is all about poverty. The possibility of renovating a house yet one is struggling to even buy food is very minimal. The mockery has pushed me to low self-esteem. With 10,000 KES, I will be able to renovate my house and regain my respect. Therefore, receiving this money means self-worth.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Over the festive season, all my children and grandchildren were home. It was my happiest moment because I enjoyed their company. It was genuinely memorable.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money is the challenge I am currently facing. I live in a house that is below substandard. I have been unable to renovate it because I have no money. The house has been a source of derision for over a year now.
