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.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($493 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different in that I am living a better life than before. Through this transfer, we were able to boost our small shop business which has increased the income that we had generated from our business. In addition, we were able to diversify our source of livelihood by starting a livestock rearing.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well for enrolling every households which qualified in the program without bias. In addition, the processes was open and fair to everyone. I don't see anything that it does not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $180 to purchase one local dairy cows. My plan was to boost the livestock rearing an activity I had started with the first transfer. This is because I have enough experience of animal farming. Also,my husband is a shopkeeper and we decided to use the remaining amount to boost his business by purchasing more stock. Nowadays, the profit from our business has increased from $50 to $80 per month.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($502 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was early in the morning at around 1000Hrs and I was at the local river. I heard a message come into my phone and when I checked the message, it was the Mpesa message. I was very very happy when I saw the message.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I now own livestock and I also expanded my business. I wouldn't have been able to buy cows and to expand my business had it not been for the transfers
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfers to purchase one cow, to expand my retail shop and to buy food for my two children. My husband and I both work in the shop and it is our main source of income. We have two children. I bought a cow with the hope that it can reproduce and bring me back profit in future in terms of selling the cow when I will be in need of money, or even production of milk for sale. I remain grateful to GiveDirectly.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
As a farmer,I will buy two oxen for ploughing land when I receive this money. This will cost me 300 USD. The oxen will not only help me plough my land but also earn income when I plough other people's farms. I will also use the money for buying basic needs such as food and clothes which has been a challenge for a long time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. This is because I am usually strong and motivated to do most of my work. After having breakfast I go to my farm till 11am. I come back to do other household chores around my compound .As the day comes to an end,I am usually tired.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Depending on farming as a source of food for my family and income has been a big challenge. Prolonged drought has led to lack of food for my family. This sometimes forces me to look for casual jobs which are very hard to find. I have slept hungry on several occasions due to lack of food. Food security has therefore been my biggest hardship.
