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.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($510 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different from how it would have been because I am hopeful and happier than before. From the oxen that I purchased from the transfers, I can plough my farm in time without straining. Previously, I was always on my bare hands for the exercise and it was tiresome. In addition, I could only plough a small portion of my farm which means the yields were also low. I am now glad because I have a permanent solution fr this. I will also hire the pair to my friends at a fee and earn a living. In addition to that, the house that I managed to construct has also brought joy to my life greatly. This is because the previous one was very small and I never had a chance to stay with all my family members. The story is different now because the new house has united us and strengthen our love than before.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in all areas in regions. This was seen especially on the enrolment process, it was free and fair and no one could complain. Also, the officers were ready to answer any kind of questions we had plus considering our suggestions. I do not see any part that GD failed us in any sector.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my second transfer on buying some building materials such as iron sheets, building poles, nails, and timber. This was purposely for the construction of a brand new house becasue the previous one was very small and I had a big family. Some of my children ad to shelter at their grandmother's and friend's houses. Also, I paid the mason KES 8000 as his labor charges. Later on, I used KES 2500 of the money for my children who are still in primary school. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some household items such as utensils I have been borrowing from friends for all those years.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($493 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was preparing breakfast for my family when my phone started ringing continuously. I l left what I was doing and check my phone since it was unusual for me to receive a message at such an hour. On checking, I confirmed it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I still couldn't believe it until I saw my account balance. I was overexcited and started celebrating with my family members.
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 now own a pair of oxen and an ox plough. I acquired all these from the financial support that I recently received from GiveDirectly. Owning them has been my all time dream but I could not afford since the salary was getting from the casual jobs. I am now planning to practice large scale farming since it will be easier to prepare the farm with the help of the pair of oxen. I will now focus and invest more in agriculture. Also I will hire the pair to my neighbors at a fee and generate an income. I am optimistic that I will be able to easily meet my family needs.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer om buying some livestock such as a pair of oxen and an ox plough at KES 35900. I bought them so that they could help me with my farming activities. I also bought some building materials such as some pieces of iron sheets, several building poles, nails and timber. This was for the construction of a new house since the previous one was very small and in poor condition. With the remaining amount, I bought enough foodstuffs for my family and some other household items that I was lacking.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Considering the rainy patterns of our area that most of the time, it is unpredictable, I usually prepare my farm very late and this has resulted into low produce since I use traditional methods of farming. I have wished to own an oxen and ox plough in order to have early land preparation but this has never come through due to inadequate finances. Receiving this money means realizing my dream since I will be able to spend $370 to buy the oxen plus the ox plough and this will help me to upscale my farming and eventually, food security to my family. On the other hand, I also plan to construct a separate house for my children who are grown up now but they still spend their nights with me in the same room. To solve this, I will spend utmost $300. This will have a positive change to our livelihood, a transformation that I have ever wished.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Considering the nature of my job which requires me to work tirelessly from morning to afternoon hours, I find myself so exhausted at this moment. It is only in the evening when I get ample time to relax and happily share our dinner together with my family. Taking my meals restores the energy that I have lost during the day and this makes evening the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Charcoal burning is the source of income that I have ever depended on, a job that is energy draining and low paying. Currently, I find myself so weak and my efforts to do this job is limited that, I usually make 5 sacks per month which I sell at $5 only. This income is very low and can not fully support my family's basic needs; hence, financial instability is generally the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
