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
55000 KES ($450 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I would like to open a retail shop. We only have two shops around the village and most of the time the shops are not well stocked so I find myself traveling miles away to get a product. If I can start one and stock it, I am sure I can profit from it.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has upgraded our lives, beautiful homes are been built, people are adapting to solar now not using paraffin anymore and small businesses are emerging. The village is growing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a farmer, I rear cows, turkeys, chickens, and goats. The livestock helps me take care of my family, for example, the cows give me milk every day morning and evening, and the chickens give me eggs. In terms of food, my family is well taken care of. I have seven children, six are married and one is in college. Paying for my children's tuition fees has been a challenge and most days I sell my livestock to cater to it which is not always sustainable. Receiving this money has enabled me to build a permanent place for my livestock so that I can rear as many livestock as possible and sell them for commercial purposes.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($476 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was in my daily routine of tending to my few livestock when I received the message confirming I had received KES 55000 from GiveDirectly. I was very happy hence I took the livestock back home so that I can share the good news with my wife and children.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference I can see since receiving the transfers is the structure I put up as a home for the livestock I have been rearing. I have goats, chickens, and turkeys that will enable running a successful business once they are mature enough. My son does not have any school fees balance and that makes me so happy as he will go back to school once schools open.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I had always wished to have a livestock rearing project in my compound and that came to pass when I received the transfers. I used KES 20000 to put up a structure that I would use to rear my chicken. I used the rest of the money to buy 2 weeks' chicks which are so far doing so well. KES 12000 was used to buy two turkeys and KES 5000 to pay the school fees balance for my son who is in high school. I am happy as I was able to buy chick feeds and food stock for my house.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I heard about receiving this transfer and it brought a lot of relief to my mind and heart. I have a daughter who is in college pursuing a certificate in beauty therapy. My interest is that she furthers her education to the level she desires. A big chunk of this transfer will go towards her school fees.
For the rest of the money, about 30000 KES I plan to start a poultry business where I can raise indigenous chicken. I have seen its potential and I feel it will be the right kind of business to embark on.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The previous year was very challenging, the cost of living was very high. It reached a point I had to sell part of my livestock. I sold five goats in November and from the sale I was able to paint my house. It brings a lot of joy when I look at my house today.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The cost of living is high at the moment. Fulfilling basic needs is a challenge. I retired about five years ago and came back to the farm. The past three seasons have been tough due to the dry weather. We have to buy food from our pockets and it is costly. All we are capable of doing is buy food the rest is when is necessary.
