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?
The moment I received my transfer, I was on my way home from Narok county. I had gone there in pursuit of cheap Maize. Suddenly I heard my phone ringing, Upon confirming, I saw a Mpesa message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with happiness because I knew that God had finally answered our prayers. I immediately called my brother who also confirmed to have received the good news. I am so grateful for the support that gave us a chance for us to better our lives.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For a long time, my daughter has been suffering from epilepsy. But I was unable to buy her the required medicine due to lack of money. But with the transfer, her health has improved. I believe that the overall health of my children will also improve since we have enough milk in the house, unlike before where we used to buy them daily. I am so grateful for the transfer that brought so much hope to our lives.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a widow and a mother of six children. When my husband passed on, I was left with so many responsibilities of raising my children. Unfortunately, I don't have a source of income that is stable because I am a local businesswoman specialising in selling sisal ropes. Upon receiving my initial transfer, I thought of purchasing a dairy cow so that my children would have enough milk. Therefore I used KES 25,000. I then bought a donkey for transporting the sisals to the market, for which I used KES10,000 and lastly I used the remaining amount on medication, foodstuffs and clothes. I am thankful for the support that uplifted our living standards.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means financial stability to my family. I am a widow with 5 children in Primary school.2 of my children stay with my relatives because of my inability to fend for them.My job of making and selling ropes within the neighboring markets earns me limited incomes and sometimes I earn nothing in a day. I am so happy that this money has come at a right time when I am in dire need.With this I shall be able to buy a dairy cow worth KES 30000.This will enable me get milk and calves which will be sold out in future in order to pay School fees.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My ability to feed my children in the past 6 months has given me happiness . Despite the hardship I have been through after the death of my husband my children have never slept hungry and this gives me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of money is the biggest challenge am currently facing.With my work of making and selling ropes I earn an average of KES 150 daily.This money is insufficient to pay School fees for my 5 children in school as well as buy food and clothes for them.I am worried that my children have a higher rate of abseentism at school because of my failure to pay their school fees.
