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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($542 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
After receiving the money, I have seen a lot of differences in my life which would not have occurred without receiving the transfers. The money had been so impactful in my life and even to the lives of other neighbors. In comparison with the other villages which never received the money, I am proud to say that ours have improved a great deal in development matters.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, the work GiveDirectly did in our village was a well-done job. Everything came as a surprise and we all appreciated as we are currently seeing the results of it all. We are still grateful to the organization and it is our prayers that the other neighboring villages which have not received may also receive theirs to enable them to take a stride ahead in improving their lives.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
After receiving the second transfers I made a decision to spend part of it which was 50000 KES on adding up to the already existing shop business. I increased the stock and hire one person to help me in the shopkeeping whenever I am committed to other tasks. With the remaining 5000 KES, I used in equipping my newly constructed house. I bought new furniture to replace the old wooden furniture which I was inheriting from my parents long ago.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($531 USD)
access_time 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now a proud owner of a dairy cow. I am hoping that it will be calving soon and I will not only stop the habit of buying milk daily but also sell some to earn an income. Buying milk daily makes one spend more money and have none to invest. Also, some people at times add some water to it and this makes it taste bad hence one cannot drink them.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 4 am when I received a message notification on my phone. When I read its content, I became so happy upon seeing that GiveDirectly had finally honored their promise. When they informed us during the enrollment of the good news, I never believed it as I thought that maybe they would not fulfill it but receiving this money made me believe in them.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
When I received my first transfer, I bought a dairy cow worth KES 35000. I settled on this so that I can be able to also sell milk like other people since I have always been buying them. I had sold all the cows I once owned to pay for my medical bills when I was sick. Also, I bought three three-seater seats to add to the few that I had. I used the remaining amount to clear school fees arrears for my children so that they would be allowed to sit for their end year examinations and bought some foodstuff.
Enrolled
access_time 5 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My community is blessed with a conducive environment for livestock keeping, especially commercial dairy farming. My husband and I are planning to spend about KES 30,000 of our first transfer to buy a dairy cow. We believe this is a sustainable investment because of its prolificacy and ready and accessible market for our milk products.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My husband is a motor vehicle mechanic in Narok town, about 3 hours away from home whereas I am a full time housewife. He is the breadwinner of the family and he sends me money in the evening every two days, which makes me happy to know he is responsible and cares for his family. This way we put food on the table for my children and I.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have faced in my life is when I was admitted to hospital in 2017. My hospital bill rose to a tune of KES 650, 000 which was settled following a series of fundraising and sale of domestic assets like livestock. Most of the cows my husband and I had invested in were sold leaving us with non, which jeopardized our source of income till date. Though I have fully recovered I feel my living standard would be different today.
