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.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Six years ago, my home compound was full of livestock—goats, cows, sheep, and poultry. At that time, I was financially stable because I could sell the livestock whenever I needed money. However, a severe drought struck and I lost all my livestock, leaving me with nothing. My life crumbled, and I struggled to support my two wives and four children who depend on me financially. Worse still, I am aged and unable to work, so I now rely on my two younger, energetic wives to take care of the family. My elder son also steps in from time to time to help with my immediate needs. My house has not undergone any repairs for the past 10 years, and it has deteriorated significantly. After receiving my recent transfers, I spent $45 to purchase cement to repair the walls of the house, which had developed huge cracks and showed signs of imminent collapse. I used the remaining $57 to buy food. I am happy and relieved that, as a family, we had enough food to eat despite the ongoing unfavorable weather that has left our farms unproductive. I am very grateful for the financial support from the transfers. It is helping me support my family despite my age and inability to work.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal in the coming year and beyond is to complete the renovations of my house. These renovations will ensure that my house is safe and secure to live in. I have lived in fear that the house might collapse, but I am happy that the repairs will improve its condition and stability. I am very grateful for the financial support from Give Directly, which has made this possible.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($22 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Utilizing my accumulated transfers from two months, I invested in a $50 goat with the primary objective of establishing a sustainable income source for the future. Goats are a prudent investment due to their ability to multiply, thereby increasing my initial investment. In the event of an emergency, the option to sell some goats provides a valuable resource to address unforeseen needs. Furthermore, I used a portion of the funds to purchase a new mattress, a significant improvement from the uncomfortable sisal twine bed I previously slept on. The $48 investment in the mattress has notably enhanced my sleep quality, alleviating any previous back pains. With the remaining $4, I purchased food, ensuring that I can enjoy a morning cup of tea, thanks to the support from Give Directly. I am sincerely grateful for the financial assistance, which has markedly improved the quality of my life.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead, I aim to use my subsequent transfers to acquire another goat, further expanding my livestock holdings. This strategic step will contribute to the growth of my goat herd, increasing the potential for multiplication and amplifying my initial investment. Despite the challenges of age and the inability to fully provide for myself, the financial transfers have been instrumental in helping me pursue and achieve my goals.
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time almost 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving $34 every month has made a significant impact on my life and health. Instead of immediately spending the recent funds on medication as I used to, I decided to invest in a goat. I purchased a goat, using the entire amount. Today, I own three goats, all thanks to this cash aid from Give Directly. Normally, I would struggle, relying on my son to bear the weight of my medical expenses. I have anemia, and doctors often tell me my blood is infected, necessitating continuous treatment. But now, with these goats, I have hope for financial independence. I eagerly await the day I can sell them to cover my medical bills, lessening the financial burden on my son. This cash transfer program has provided me not only with goats but also with a chance for a healthier and more self-reliant life.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Now, thanks to the cash transfer program, I not only have three goats but also a maize harvest from the recent planting season. My goal is simple: to keep buying more goats and expand my little herd. With each new addition, I get closer to securing my medication for my anemia. Also, every year-end, I eagerly anticipate celebrating with my family and preparing a special meal for all of us. These goats will play a crucial role during those festive moments. I can't express enough how grateful I am for the cash transfer program, which has brought a ray of hope and self-sufficiency into my life.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I started my investment journey by using the most recent transfer. I wanted to have both livestock and poultry. With that information, I decided to buy two chickens for $8. I decided to save the $22 and used the remaining $4 to purchase some food to last me for a few days. The purpose of saving this money is to add to it with a portion of the subsequent transfer so that I can purchase a goat for $35. In the event of a financial need, I can easily rely on my goat and chicken keeping to save for the future.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I have always wanted to acquire more goats since I believe they provide the family with financial stability. My current objective is to purchase a goat every two months and keep it in my compound. I do not currently have a reliable source of income. After the goats multiply and become more numerous, I think I can easily sell them to meet my financial needs.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As soon as I realized the transfers had been sent out by GiveDirectly I was beyond excited especially because at the time I was due for my medical checkup. About six years ago I started getting visually impaired, and so to try and stop this process from getting any worse I was recommended to constantly visit the hospital for treatment. Therefore this time around my checkup was due and that is why I ended up spending KES 1,000 on the medical attention I received and then spent an extra KES 400 as my transportation fee to and fro. Then I proceeded to spend KES 1, 000 on nutrition by purchasing five packets of Maize flour because I barely had any food left in the house. I ended up using the remaining balance of KES 1,000 by purchasing a new phone because my old one was broken.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am honestly quite grateful and pleased from the help that everything from the organization so far. The funds have enabled me to take care of my health by going for constant medical check-ups and also most importantly nourishment considering the drought that has affected us immensely .
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent a huge chuck of my transfer on buying medicine. I have boils all over my body that are contributing to the deteorating health condition. Even after spending $6 dollars on buying medicines, my health is yet to improve. I bought three packets of maize flour with the remaining $6 to feed my family (wife and five children). My health condition is a huge obstacle for me in providing for my families needs. I do not have job and I rely heavily on raising my own livestock to earn a living. I am grateful that the money helped feed my family at a time I was poor financially.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am grateful to the organisation for hornouring their pledge and sending me my first transfer. My health is getting better each day though not yet fully thanks to the money from the transfer that helped me buy medicines. I am optimistic that my health will significantly improve and regain the energy to go to the fields and tend to my livestock.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
My son and I were chatting under the shade of the tree when I received a text message in my phone. I handed over the phone to my son to read the contents of the message. He shared the good news that I had received my first transfer. My heart was filled with joy. I murmured a short thanksgiving prayer thanking the lord for the glorious gift.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am anemic and this condition has been a pain for many years. I have been on medication but the condition does not seem to improve. Of late my legs keep swelling and at times I fall out of dizziness, other than falling, I tend to scratch my hands a lot. My eyes too are weakening and I can not walk without shielding myself from the sun. I am also long-sighted and at times my children are near me but I can not tell who is who. I wish this condition would go away.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Every month my wife who works as a house manager sends for our upkeep. It is always a relief since I can not work and I have eight mouths to feed. Four children, two wives, and two grandchildren.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I plan to pay school fees for my three children and one grandchild who is in primary school. I would like for them to study to the level they would wish. I will set aside 1000 KES every month to go towards their fees, another 1000 KES for food, and the remaining 1,000 will be for livestock. I will be saving up the 1000 KES so that I can buy around six goats which will cost 18000 KES and six cows which will cost 36000 KES. I will be fulfilled once I accomplish this.