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.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The unconditional funds from GiveDirectly are an enormous boost in my life. Through the funds, I will improve the condition of my house. The fear I have about the house collapsing will soon go away and I will live peacefully. I would like the organization to consider sending the monthly transfer in a lump sum so that we can be able to complete the project that needs a lot of money in a short period.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
It is seven years since I moved into the house I live in. The poles I used in building the house have weakened over the years and the house is in ruins. The roof of my house is partly made of rusted iron sheets while the other is grass thatched “Makuti”. When it rains, the rainwater sips through the leaking into my house, destroying my property and making it hard to sleep during the night. A portion of the house is steadily sinking into the ground after a heavy downpour. I have always wanted to repair the house, but because of the low income from my casual job selling charcoal, I have failed. My husband, who is of age, cannot help because he no longer works. Therefore, when I received my Transfer, I spent the KES 3000 on buying three pieces of iron sheets. My plan is to buy so that I can have a complete changeover of the roof.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($11 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was about 9 am, I was in my house relaxing after coming home from my morning work at the farm. I was preparing it ready for the planting season which is about to start. I felt very happy for receiving my transfer since I had been eagerly waiting for it from the day I was enrolled in the program.
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 am currently able to meet my daily needs, particularly food for my family without having to hustle much. In addition, I currently own some chickens an investment for myself. Previously, I had to do charcoal burning a very tiresome activity to put food on the table.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my transfer to start poultry rearing by purchasing 2 chickens. This is my long-term investment as I will be able to sell them when they reproduce in the future to support me financially. In addition, I spend the remaining amount to purchase on sufficient food since I had no food in my store. I am also planning to spend my next transfer on acquiring one goat for KES 2500. I had wished to start goat keeping which is very profitable compared to poultry.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money from GiveDirectly means I will fulfill my dream of owning a heard of goats. My area receives low levels of rainfall and I opt to rear goats because they can survive under these conditions. I will use 45,000KES from the GiveDirectly transfers to buy 15 indigenous goats each valued at 3,000KES. I will use a further 30,000KES to start a retail shop in the village. Most villagers are forced to walk for about 35 minutes to the nearest trading centre. Starting a shop means they will able to get the basic commodities from my shop. I am illiterate and therefore my grandson will operate the retail shop on my behalf. The profits from the business will help me educate my grandchildren and at the same time meet my basic needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Over the last 6 months I have been healthy and never experienced the body pains I always have. This has brought joy and happiness in my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Drought has hit my village hard to an extent getting water is difficult. A 20 Litre jerrican of water goes for 50KES. In a day, my family plus livestock consume 120 litres of water meaning I spend 300KES daily on water. Given that I am jobless, affording this on a daily basis is close to impossible and sometimes we retire to bed without taking shower.
