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
53150 KES ($475 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
One of my goals has always been to own livestock which would be a source of income whenever we need the money. I was able to buy goats and a cow. I was also able to repair my motorbike which is our source of daily income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, I am now able to do the things I was not unable to do. This program of helping people who are in need is a great cause and I am very thankful for the opportunity.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With this recent money transfer of KES.6000, I was able to finish repairing my home which had so maybe repaired but was finally able to raise my home to be comfortable. I was also able to repair my source of income, a motorcycle which needed new there and engine spare parts that coated me KES.5000. I finally also bought two cows to provide milk and they totaled KES.18000. The remainder was used to finish repairing the house. This would not have been possible without Give directly.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($497 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 10 am, Being a farmer I had left my phone in the house charging. I had gone to herd my cows in the field. When I returned home, I checked my phone and I was surprised to saw the Mpesa messages on my phone. I felt very happy since it was the beginning of a new and better life for my family.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Spending my nights in comfortable and modern bedding with my family members is the biggest difference in my daily life. Formerly, I was sleeping on a small bed and I had no furniture but at the moment I am no longer humiliated whenever I received visitors in my house.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have desired to own proper beddings for my family, this is because I was using a traditional bed and a small mattress which was not comfortable. I spent 18,100 to purchase a 2 modern beds and 2 mattresses one for myself and the other for the child. In addition, I used KES 5080 to purchase decent furnitures for our family, I bought 6 plastic chairs and a table. Previously, I was using tree logs as chairs, this was very shameful whenever I received guests. I also bought 3 goats for KES 10,100 to boost my livestock rearing a reliable source of income for the family. I also used KES 5000 to pay part of the dowry debt that I had been owed my in-laws. I save the remaining amount for our daily upkeep like food and water.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Achieving a reliable source of income is my biggest ambition. My source of livelihood includes selling cashew nuts alongside other casual jobs. The business is not sustainable because of its seasonal nature. Receiving this money therefore means an improvement in my financial status. In this regard, I will purchase 2 indigenous dairy cows and 13 goats. This is likely to cost 69000 shillings. This will stabilize my income as I will be selling the produce on a monthly basis.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning. It gives me joy to wake up healthy together with my family. This gives me a reason to work harder with the hope that I will change my life.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial Instability due to lack of a good source of income is my biggest hardship. Being the sole provider, I struggle alot to meet my family's basic needs. Things could have been better if I had enough earnings. On a good day I take home 500 shillings but it's not sufficient because of the inflation of commodities. It is this same reason that has made it difficult for me to achieve my ambitions.
