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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I joined a savings committee where we contributed small amounts of money then passed it to to individuals monthly so that they had a larger or rather a substantial amount of money which they could use to do certain projects or whatever they preferred. When it is my turn I plan to receive the money I plan to have enough money to buy land where I could farm. I contributed KES 1,000 then used the remaining KES 2,000 and put it away in my savings account because I really want to get that piece of land and it will need a lot of money so I financially preparing for it.
3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am married to a palm wine maker and we have one child.I am disabled and due to my nature and ability am not able to do so much,I depend on my husband who barely makes enough to cater for our small family. When I received the first transfer I set my mind to buy my own piece of land where I can plant maize,coconut and arrowroot.i received kshs 1200 and I saved kshs 1000 and used the rest for food,On second transfer I saved kshs 2000 and used the rest on food .On the current transfer I saved all the cash received.I intend to buy a piece of land worth kshs 50000 and be a farmer
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($27 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done quite an amazing job because I no longer solely have to rely on my husband to provide anymore which has really helped our relationship because he is a palm wine tapper and at times he does not make any sells which puts a strain with even the meal plan. But now I can also help here and there with the funds I receive.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a subsistence farmer and so for the longest time I have wanted to purchase my own piece of land where I plant crops and harvest later on for the benefit of my family and so I came up with the plan that each time I received the transfers I would take some portion of it and put in the savings account so that it would accumulate and eventually I would have enough money to buy the land. After receiving the money I placed KES 2,000 in my savings account and took the remaining KES 1,000 and bought a bag of maize flour which contained twelve packets since at the time we had no food in the house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the message at about eight in the morning and I was very glad because even after registering with the program we were informed that we would receive the funds in november but the finances actually came in a month earlier than that . So I was very happy that GiveDirectly not only kept its word but it also delivered.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
As of now the changes are yet to happen because I have not spent the money or invested it anywhere but with the plans I have in mind I am sure that eventually I will have achieved immense things for my family and I and even for the future generations to come like my child.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I did receive the transfers and decided to save the money instead because my plan for the future is that I want to store enough money and eventually buy a piece of land where I can grow my own crops. For instance I would like to grow maize for domestic use, cassava for both domestic and commercial use and coconut trees where I can use the coconut for my home or even for sell. Also keeping in mind coconut trees can last up to sixty to eighty years meaning this farm could as well come in handy and be beneficial to my child who is still an infant.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
For ages, property ownership among women has been overlooked in my community. This trend has suppressed our self-esteem to great lengths. It has never been my intention to conform to this norm and owning a piece of land is my lifelong dream. Being a young housewife, the chances of achieving this were next to zero, but now there is hope. With these transfers, I hope to adopt a practical financial plan that will see me purchase a 40,000 KES acre of land within the village.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness comes in the afternoon after a busy morning full of household activities. I enjoy this time mostly because I rest and revive my energy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In an area with a hot and dry climate, everybody longs for the cold season. I however do not share in their optimism. I suffered a fractured knee four years ago after a fall. Due to financial constraints, I was unable to get proper and immediate medical attention. It took four months before I got better. Even then I was instructed to attend weekly clinics for a chance at a full recovery. The cost implications were too much for my parents to bear. With nowhere left to turn for help, I had no choice left but to discontinue the treatment. To date, I dread the return of the cold seasons in my area as cold nights are my worst nightmare.
