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.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am a motorcycle driver who financed a motorbike on credit. Previously, I worked for someone else, which was challenging because I had to pay the owner $4 daily regardless of my earnings. To improve my situation, I decided to acquire a motorbike on credit. I have made several payments and now have only $580 remaining to clear my debt. Thanks to the transfers I received, I was able to make some payments and I am confident that with my determination and hard work, I will pay off the remaining amount. My goal is to provide my children with a better life, ones done with clearing my debt.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am the father of four children, with two currently attending private school where each tuition fee is $44. My top priority is always ensuring their school fees are paid promptly whenever I receive my transfers. I strongly believe in providing them with a high-quality education. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I was able to use $102 from the transfer to cover their school fees. This support has relieved me of financial stress and made it possible for me to educate my children effectively. I have confidence that they will have a bright future and will be able to support me in return.
26th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I am focusing on giving the poultry farming venture another try and expanding it on a larger scale. I have sought advice from experts, and this time, I am starting with better experience and preparation. With dedication and the support of the cash transfers, I believe I can make it work. Once this venture is up and running, I will have a sustainable source of income to meet my family's needs. I am confident that this time, I will achieve success.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I decided to use a portion of the GiveDirectly cash transfers, $50, to invest in poultry farming, a venture I had long desired to pursue. Unfortunately, shortly after starting, a poultry disease outbreak occurred, resulting in the loss of several birds leaving only six. Despite this setback, I remain optimistic and determined to try again, believing in the potential success of the venture. In addition to this, I paid $52 from the transfers to cover the school fees and other essential needs for my four children.
Since we started receiving these transfers, our lives have significantly improved, with fewer hardships to encounter compared to before. Despite the challenges I went through, I remain grateful for the assistance provided by the transfers.
21st Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year, I am optimistic that the received transfer will significantly improve my financial situation. Currently, I rely on a motorbike acquired through a loan, crucial for my business. My primary goal is to diligently repay the loan by next year, providing financial relief and enabling me to concentrate on expanding my poultry projects. Through diversifying income via poultry farming, I intend to establish additional revenue streams, bolstering overall financial stability. Once the loan burden is lifted, I will have the freedom to allocate more time, energy, and resources to foster the growth and success of my poultry ventures.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Six months ago, with GiveDirectly's assistance, I launched a poultry farming project that encountered a setback due to a disease outbreak. This led to financial strain, prompting me to utilize the transfers received in the last three months for bird vaccination and acquiring new chicks. Despite the challenges, I've successfully rebuilt the project, now boasting 40 mature hens and 40 chicks. This progress reflects my determination and resilience. Looking forward, my goal is to expand the poultry venture, investing in flock health for increased production and sustainable family income. Despite the obstacle, GiveDirectly's support enabled me to revive and progress, fostering optimism for future success in the poultry farming endeavor.
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I'm planning to expanding my poultry farm to accommodate more than 100 chicken for sale. With this goal in mind, I'm shifting towards large-scale poultry farming. I am confident in my ability to cater to the market demand, and boost my income. This will bring me financial stability enabling a secure future for my family and also ensures my children's education.
I'm also considering the construction of a more spacious and suitable house to better accommodate my growing family. Our current house was built before our family expanded, necessitating the need for an additional and improved space. Moreover, this upcoming venture will forever serve as a reminder of the transformative impact that GiveDirectly's transfers have had on our life as a family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I transitioned into fully fledged poultry farming when a prolonged drought season left us unable to cultivate for sustenance. I purchased chicken in bits at $3 each, and now I own a flock of approximately 30-40. So with last months transfer, I allocated $15 for poultry feed and $10 for their vaccines due to a poultry disease outbreak.
Within my household, there are five children and two wives; one of my wives is currently residing abroad. I spent $9 on food, primarily on vegetables and household essentials, following our recent maize harvest after the prolonged drought period.
To supplement my income, I operate a motorcycle taxi business, contributing to my children's education fund. Although they are still in the early stages of schooling, my ultimate goal is to ensure the sustained availability of resources for their education.
13th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 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?
As I mentioned earlier I am a motorcycle rider. It has been my source of income for many years but the recent years business has plummeted. I do not make as much as I used before and this has affected my family. However, through GD transfers, I began a business selling chicken which has proven to be much more profitable than my motorcycle business. I would like to expand my business beyond its current capacity. This is something I am planning on working on this year. I want to become a big chicken farmer and through it provide for my family.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have two wives, and 5 children. I run a motorcycle business. Business as a motorcycle rider has been difficult in recent days as now demand is very low. One of my wives was forced to leave for Saudi Arabia to seek greener pastures on our behalf. Things have also been tough because I have 4 school-going children and one is in a private school which is quite pricey. My other wife recently gave birth which has increased my financial obligations. In March all my transfers went into ensuring her safe delivery, since the health center is far from our home we were able to afford a midwife at $9 due to GD transfers who assisted with the birth and we used $15 on purchasing the necessary medicine and items necessary for her recovery. I also left her with $10 for any arising needs as I was traveling at the time as a result of work. In February I was able to reduce the school fees debt of $20 for my child to $5 and also bought several items or the new curriculum for my child. I used the rest for food. I used my January transfer for my chicken business. I used $10 to buy 3 hens, spent $10 for chicken feed, and used $14 for food.
9th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Being the primary provider, the meagre income I used to receive from my motorbike taxi was hardly sufficient to cover my family's daily expenses, particularly food. With the money I received from GiveDirectly, I was able to start a poultry project that presently has about thirty chickens and another thirty chicks. Every time I receive a transfer, I intend to purchase a few chickens in order to further this project. Once I have a sufficient number of mature goats, I intend to sell them and start a goat farm. All of these endeavours are meant to help my family earn more money and lessen our reliance on a single source of income.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
During enrollment, I planned to use most of my transfers to buy livestock and let them reproduce to accumulate wealth. Instead, I have been spending most previous transfers on food for my wife and two children. This is because my motorcycle riding business has not been performing well given the low population in my village, most of whom barely afford the service. The most I make on a good day is $3 which is not enough for food given the high cost of living. That is why I have been digging into the cash transfers for more food. However, this time, I directed most of the transfer toward agriculture given the rains that have recently blessed our land. I spent $12 on maize seeds and pesticides and paid laborers $10 to help prepare my acre of land. Am happy that the crops have sprouted now and I look forward to a healthy harvest a few months from now. At least, having enough food will allow me to embark on actualizing my goal of livestock rearing through the transfer. As a norm, I spent the remaining amount on food.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
About the same time I had received a transaction from givesirectly my kids had resumed school and unfortunately I hadn't yet settled the debt in their tuition, so I ended up using KES 1,000 out of the funds to pay tuition for my two children. I proceeded to use the rest of the funds which was KES 2,000 on nutrition so I ended up buying ten packets of maize flour and this was because food was a challenge.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The GiveDirectly organization is unique and different. It is not easy to get 3000 per month with the current economic situation neither have I ever come across any other organization doing the same. We are currently facing famine which has made life tough and everyone in the village is glad that the organization came right on time. We no longer feed to fill our tummies but at least we can afford a balanced diet once in a while, courtesy of GiveDirectly. I have no complaints about the organization nor have I heard of anyone who is not contented with the work it is doing.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a motorcycle taxi rider unfortunately, I was recently involved in a road accident that left me with broken limbs and a neck fracture. My spouse is, therefore, the sole breadwinner but the little money she makes from her small business cannot meet all our household needs. We are in the planting season currently, and we had not raised money for the seeds. I, therefore, spent KES 1000 on 4 kilograms of hybrid maize seeds. KES 1000 I spent on both corn and more. I still go to clinics after the accidents KES 1000 facilitated both my transport and the doctor's fee.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
To me the transfer from GiveDirectly was God sent. It came at the time when I was in much need following the accident I got two days to the end of March 2022. Though in great pain, when I realized of the transfer, I felt some relief and happiness bearing in mind that I would be able to buy some drugs that I was urgently in need of. Thanks to GiveDirectly for such a timely support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Despite the fact that I was hopeful I would be able to recover fully from the injury I got after the accident, I was not sure how I would meet my medication cost. Nonetheless, I have registered positive improvement courtesy of GiveDirectly transfer. From this transfer, I was able to buy other drugs I could not acquire before. I am glad that currently I am stronger and I am not in much pain.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Two days preceding the day transfers were sent, by bad lack I got involved in a road accident as I was riding my motorcycle. When I received my transfer, I spent the whole of it on my medication. Despite the fact that I am still experiencing some pain, as a result of the transfer, I have been able to register some improvement in my life. Without the transfer, I would have not been able to buy medicine since I did not have any amount of money saved for such an emergency need.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I work as a motorbike rider. I have been in this business for close to twelve years now and I feel tired of it. Lately, I have thought of quitting and transitioning to another business. I have a desire to start poultry farming. My wife runs a small cafe. I will borrow KES 10,000 from her and start. Pay her money in installments and then keep building my business. I hope to make enough money to build a beautiful house for my family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My entire family has been blessed with good health and the energy to work. We live happily and I could never trade them for anything.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have lost the passion I had for my motorbike riding job. I just keep at it because I need to make a living but my heart is in a different place. I want to start farming but I do not have the capital. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I hope Give Directly funds come through soon.