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 coming years, my main goal is to continue farming and ensure that I can pay for my children’s school fees. Farming is essential for our livelihood, and I want to grow enough crops to support my family and provide for their education. I believe that investing in their education will open up better opportunities for them in the future. I also plan to expand my farming practices to include more diverse crops, which will help increase our income and food security.Another important plan is to build a permanent home made of bricks. Currently, we live in a house made of iron sheets, which is not very durable or comfortable. A solid brick house will provide my family with a safe and secure place to live, protecting us from the weather and giving us stability. I am determined to work towards this goal, as having a proper home is vital for our well-being and future. With hard work and dedication, I believe I can achieve these dreams for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has done an excellent job in educating us about their program and how it works. You made us understand the value of the support we received and provided helpful advice on how to invest our money wisely. Your friendly and respectful communication created a positive environment, making us feel valued and appreciated. This approach encouraged us to take the initiative in improving our lives, and for that, we are truly grateful.As for areas of improvement, I didn't see any significant issues. The process was smooth, and everything was handled well. Overall, your work has been fantastic, and I encourage you to maintain this spirit of support and guidance as you help more families like ours. Thank you for your assistance!
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received my unconditional cash transfer, it felt like a turning point for my family. With $200, I was able to harvest the maize from my farm. I hired laborers to help with the work and rented a lorry to transport the maize to the board where it can be processed and sold. We had planted Kenya seed maize, known for its quality, so this was an important investment for us. Before receiving this support, I struggled to pay for school fees and basic needs for my ten children, often relying on charcoal burning and livestock sales when necessary. After using part of the funds for the harvest, I allocated another $200 to pay for my children’s school fees. Education is vital for their future, and I wanted to ensure they didn’t miss out due to financial struggles. With so many children, it can be challenging to keep up with all the expenses, but I was determined to provide them with the opportunities they deserve. My livestock, including cows and goats, usually serve as a backup source of income, but I only sell them when absolutely necessary. With the remaining $50, I purchased food for my family since the maize harvest takes time to process. This cash transfer has truly changed our lives. I feel relieved knowing my children are in school and that we have enough food for now. I’m hopeful for the future, especially with the upcoming payout from the maize we expect in three months, which will help us continue building a better life for our family. I am grateful for this support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($143 USD)
access_time 5 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around three p.m. when I got a message at the field confirming receipt of $183 from GiveDirectly while I was attending to my cows. I could hardly contain my excitement and couldn’t wait to get home that evening to share the news with my wife. As soon as I got home, I told her she was overjoyed, and we both felt a wave of relief knowing we could now follow through on the plans we had been anticipating. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for your support.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For many years, I had to sell my livestock to raise capital for my crop farming activities and pay school fees for my children. However, thanks to GiveDirectly’s support, I ventured into vegetable farming this time without selling any livestock. The income from selling vegetables will help cover the costs of post-harvest handling of my seed maize crop and sustain us while we wait for the maize income. This allows my livestock to multiply, which is indeed a blessing. Thank you, GiveDirectly.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Our main challenge was paying school fees, especially since our farming activities, which relied on selling maize through Kenya Seed Company, took up to four months to bring in money. At the time, three of my kids were sent home from high school because of unpaid fees and had been there for three days. Receiving $183 from GiveDirectly was timely, I used $100 to cover part of their fees and send them back to school. Farming is our primary income, but with delays in payment from the seed company, I decided to invest $80 in vegetable farming, collard green and black night shade varieties as there’s a steady market with vendors coming directly to the farm to buy. I have seedlings in the seedbed now and plan to plant them later this month, which will help with school fees and sustain us while waiting for the maize money.
Enrolled
access_time 7 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
When I receive my transfers, my heart is set on one thing: clearing the arrears for my children's school fees. It pains me to see them missing out on education due to financial constraints. With seven children in school and $500 in arrears looming over us, I am deeply concerned about the impact it could have on their performance. I plan to spend $200 towards easing this burden, ensuring they can continue their education without interruption. Moreover, the constant leaky kitchen has been weighing heavily on my mind for the past three months. It breaks my heart to see my family endure discomfort, especially when it rains. They deserve a safe space to gather and share meals. That is why I am determined to spend $200 in renovating the kitchen, not just to fix the leaks but to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for my loved ones. Balancing these expenses is a labour of love, driven by my unwavering commitment to their well-being and happiness.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Farming in a semi-arid area can indeed be unpredictable and challenging. Despite our efforts to make it successful, the outcome often falls short of expectations. The presence of Prosopis trees in our area has been particularly problematic, as the sugar pods they produce harm the teeth of our goats, making it difficult for them to feed. Over the last three years, I have seen a significant decline in the number of goats we have, either due to having to sell them or because they succumb to diseases exacerbated by the conditions. However, there was a moment of joy when 10 of our goats gave birth five months ago, which increased our herd and added to the wealth of our family of 10. It is a reminder that even in challenging circumstances, there can still be moments of hope and resilience.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
It has been remarkably tough for our family of 10, relying on farming to make ends meet. The adverse climatic conditions in our area have made farming difficult, affecting both crop and livestock production. This has put a strain on our finances, especially when it comes to paying school fees for our seven children. Last term was particularly challenging when three of our children had to collect school fees arrears of $350, causing them to miss school sessions. To raise part of the fee, I had to sell some of our sheep, which was a difficult decision to make. However, there is still a balance remaining, and I am worried they will face the same situation again if I cannot clear it soon. It is a constant source of concern for me as a parent, and I am exploring every option to ensure our children can continue their education without interruption.
