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?
In the upcoming year and beyond, my brother and I aim to expand our land holdings by acquiring an additional piece of land. After diligently measuring and demarcating its boundaries, we've decided to embark on a savings journey, intending to invest in a larger plot for the future benefit of our children. Simultaneously, I have plans to initiate both livestock and fruit farming, establishing a diversified and sustainable source of income, especially for my children's education. Currently, I am actively saving with the Sacco, and I anticipate soon being able to withdraw my savings and potentially obtain a loan. This financial boost will play a crucial role in realizing our land expansion goals and fostering a thriving farming enterprise, contributing to the long-term well-being of our family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has been immensely helpful, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me to achieve things sooner than expected. The monetary support has offered solutions to various challenges we often wondered how to address, giving us the freedom to make choices based on the urgency of our needs. The majority of deserving families in our village received the support and have been using it diligently to enhance their living standards. While GiveDirectly has generally performed well, I do have a concern regarding the decision to exclude some households, which may have been made hastily without thorough research to verify the rumors circulating about certain individuals. I would urge GiveDirectly's staff to exercise greater diligence in assessing subsequent families to ensure that no one is left unattended.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
After facing recent land conflicts in the village, many residents, including myself, have been marking boundaries to avoid disputes. I hired a surveyor for $100 to measure and mark my land, prompting an immediate purchase of $78 barbed wire for fencing. Having a loan from a participating Sacco, I had defaulted for months with a remaining balance of $180. With the second transfer, I made the final payment, enabling me to continue saving and rebuilding my creditworthiness with Sacco. Additionally, I supported my sister financially, contributing $50 for her son's circumcision rites, a relief for her as a single mother. I saved the remaining $42 for potential emergencies and household needs for my family of 8, bridging gaps between transfers. This support from GiveDirectly not only addresses immediate needs but also empowers me to manage financial responsibilities effectively, fostering positive changes in my community and family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($122 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I can recall that I was deeply absorbed in my casual work in the village when, all of a sudden, I heard my phone vibrate. Upon checking, I discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. It was the most thrilling news I had received in a while. I knew that, at the very least, I would now be able to realize my dreams in a relatively short span of time, and this thought filled me with immense happiness.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Receiving my transfer has had a great impact on my life. It allowed me to achieve a long-standing dream of fencing my land, something I once thought was impossible. This fence will enable me to cultivate fruits, creating an additional source of income. I am immensely grateful for the support that has enabled me to reach this significant milestone.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I learned that I would be receiving my transfer, I knew it marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Currently, my main source of income is my job as a driver, supplemented by occasional casual work. I live alone now, as my wife and I parted ways due to a misunderstanding, and we have two children together. Upon receiving the transfer, I immediately decided to invest in fencing my land. This step would not only allow me to cultivate fruits and generate additional income but also provide security for my property by deterring intruders. I spent $150 to the fencing project, ensuring the protection and productivity of my land. The remaining $27 was wisely used to stock up on essential food supplies for my household. I am delighted that this financial support has led to an improvement in my life, which was previously hindered by financial constraints. It has truly made a positive difference.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
I desire to be a fruit farmer but due to financial challenges, I have not ventured into it. Receiving this money means my dreams will come to pass because I will use it to fence my two-acre piece of land, and purchase mango seedlings, and a water tank for storing water. This will be a long-term project that will take three years to mature and I shall reap big from it. I am so excited because finally, I can achieve my ambition through Givedirectly transfers.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Four months ago, I secured a driving job for one week and it earned me $70. It was my first time earning that much within a short period, I was very happy because I used it to purchase school uniforms and books for my children. What remained I used it to buy food that lasted three weeks.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of a stable source of income is the biggest challenge. When I separated from my wife due to irreconcilable differences, she left me to look after two children single-handedly. I rely on casual jobs for a living and it is unpredictable. Sometimes I lack money to buy food for my family and I have to take foodstuff on credit terms leaving me with huge debts.