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
53150 KES ($467 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 home is located near a semi-permanent river where a lot of water flows for a quarter of the year. I had aspired to start small-scale irrigation farming. My new goal is to purchase a generator water pump and pipes. I intend to start growing maize, kales, and tomatoes for my household consumption. Moreover, I will sell the extra produce to earn a living to support my kid's education.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well in sending cash transfers to the poor household in the village. Furthermore, the enrollment of free and fair, and every household was enrolled into the program.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the larger part of the recent transfer to start livestock rearing by purchasing 18 goats for KES 45,000. I have not been able to start the livestock rearing since I lacked the capital. This is a venture that is performing well and very profitable in our area. This is an investment that will help me whenever I face any financial crisis. I am planning to sell some animals to solve any financial emergency. I also spent the remaining amount on acquiring food for the family because we were experiencing food shortages in our area.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($510 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 around 9 am when I was at my daily hustle of burning and selling charcoals then my phone ringing. I decided to check since I was expecting to receive the cash transfer from GiveDirectly. I felt super excited after confirming it was an Mpesa message from SEGOVIA TECHNOLOGY. I even opted to return back home and plan on the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life that I will forever mention ever since GiveDirectly came into my life is that I now have a decent house. For all those years, I have been longing to own a better one but due to my financial status, I could afford to purchase the required materials. What we have been doing is that every night my children have been moving from one household to the other seeking shelter and at times I felt my children were harassed and others making fun of them. Thus has been hurting me as a parent bit I had no alternative. Also during the rainy seasons, most of my properties would be damaged so badly and this was a loss to me. However, after receiving the money, I had to prioritize the house and change my compound. We are currently living comfortably as a family which was not attainable. I am not enjoying what I have missing for all these years courtesy of GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer in buying some iron sheets, nails, timber, and building poles. This was for the construction of a brand new house because the initial was in a critical condition and very small. I also spent KES 11000 as the labor for the whole house. Also, I bought livestock more so goats that I am currently keeping in my compound. I opted for goats because they reproduce twice a year and this a promise that they will multiply very soon. I later on a solar panel to replace the candles that I have been using which were relatively expensive. In addition, I bought two plastic chairs at KES 1000, at least now I no longer borrow from neighbors. I also bought a wooden bed and mattress and at least I am sleeping comfortably. With the remaining cash, I bought sufficient food for the family
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means being able to scale up farming which is our main source of livelihood. This is achievable through purchasing a pair of oxen and a plough. Currently we use the hoe to farm because we lack funds to hire oxen which goes for 1500 shillings per acre. We produce little food from the 2 acres that we farm annually. Having these animals will mean food security as well as income for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I wake up to see another day. I do not take it for granted and I always thank God for giving me good health and protecting my family.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Besides subsistence farming, charcoal burning is our source of income. This has resulted to food insecurity in my family since it is not so reliable. It is common for us to skip meals because there is no money to purchase. Sometimes I am forced to take goods on credit from the shops and once I get money I use it all to clear the debts. We therefore live in the vicious cycle of poverty due to lack of enough money which is my biggest hardship.
