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
53150 KES ($466 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I do not have any new goal, I had planned on paying the school fees for my daughter and purchasing the furniture. I am so happy because I was able to fulfill this on time.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly does well by conducting training before doing the registration process. Everyone who was enrolled received the transfer and spent it well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 4,000 to pay school fees for my daughter who is in secondary school. I am so happy because she is now studying well without being sent home like before. I spent KES 10,000 on purchasing decent sofa set seats for my house, KES 20,000 on food and clothes for my family members, and the rest of the money I bought a sky blast for storing clean water for drinking and later purchased household items that we did not have. I am so grateful for the support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($492 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was from looking after my cows and I was resting on the compound under a tree shade. I heard my phone ringing notifying me of an incoming message. I checked it and I was so happy when I saw that it was an SMS indicating that I had received the long-awaited money that GiveDirectly had promised us. I was even more excited because the transfer had come in timely, my son had been sent home due to school fees arrears and I was wondering to myself where I was going to get the money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference that the transfer has brought into my life is that I can now relax and think of other things to do. I was able to clear the term's school fee for my child and I no longer have to worry about him being sent home due to arrears. I was also able to buy another cow which is something that I have always wanted but due to financial constraints, I was not able to get one before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent the better part of the transfer buying a cow and the rest of it in paying my child's school fees. I had always wanted to add another cow to the one that I have because I have seen a lot of benefits from owning a cow. I usually sell some of the milk that my cow produces and the money that I get from the sales I use in buying food.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I am a farmer who is so passionate about dairy farming. I love it because it is not energy-draining as compared to crop farming where there is a lot of weeding and spraying. I currently have 2 cows that produces 7liters of milk each every day. I aspire to expand this by buying 1 more cow to increase milk production. Out of it, I will get additional 5litres which I will sell at a nearby market for KES 40 for every liter. Receiving this money would be a blessing to me as it will make me more financially reliant than before.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Evening is the happiest part of my day. I have a daughter called Brenda who goes to school during the day and comes back at 6 pm. She is a good storyteller and keeping her company just makes my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food security is my biggest source of hardship right now. This being a drought-prone area, farming is not as lucrative as it is in other areas of Bomet county. Our government is not providing seeds that are drought resistant and this leaves us exposed to losses year in year out. I have completely abandoned farming and resorted to buying food which also comes with a higher cost. I spend KES 300 daily buying maize flour and vegetables. I have had to go to bed hungry on several occasions whenever I do not get money to spend on food.
