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 ($492 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?
Before receiving the transfers, I did not have my own dairy cow but the transfers came in handy as it enabled me to acquire a dairy cow and a heifer. This would would not be the case had I not received the transfers. Due to this, I am optimistic that I will be able to see my children through their education without much struggle.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well by giving out financial aid and I do not see anything that they do not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 10,000 from my transfer to pay school fees for my children who had been sent back home. We decided on this as a family since it had always been our aim to pay school fees on time so that they would not be sent back home every one and then. Also, I bought a heifer worth KES 16,000. I settled on this so that when it reproduces, I will be able to use the income from the sale of milk to pay school fees for my children. Using the remaining amount, I bought some foodstuffs and clothes for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($494 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was at 7.19 am when I had just woken up and I heard my phone beep. On checking and it was GiveDirectly transfers, I was so excited that I laughed out loud with a lot of happiness and when my children found out about it,they were so excited as well.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I have always wanted to own a cow of my own. I used to buy 1 cup milk for my family just to prepare tea. I am happy that with the cow that I bought, we can milk and have at least a glass of milk to drink. We normally stay in the kitchen since our main house did not have any seats. Right now, we can relax with my family members in the sitting room and I have the confidence to welcome visitors.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the transfer, I bought a cow that I can milk to get my own milk. I also bought seats for my house since I did not have any. My family members also got the opportunity to wear new clothes and I bought a bag of maize to use as food.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
We have been going through tough economic times recently. My husband lost his job 2 months ago earning a gross salary of Kenya shillings 12,000 yet we relied on that for upkeep. Our ambition has been to have a stable source of income. We are planning to buy a dairy cow of Kenya Shillings 30,000. We will use the produce domestically and sell the surplus. Our projection is to get approximately Kenya shillings 130 from the sale of milk which I see it as a relieve in our family. Therefore, receiving this money means a stable source of income and raise a healthy family.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My day entails carrying out daily household chores in the morning such as preparing breakfast, washing utensils, clothes, among others. After preparing lunch for my family, I use my afternoon fetching firewood and water. My happiest part of my day is in the evening as I rest after a long day of energy draining activities.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of financial stability has been the biggest hardship we have faced in life. My husband used to work in a certain School in a different town on contract basis lasting for only 3 months. His work was to look after the livestock of the School earning a meagre salary of Kenya Shillings 12,000 which is hardly enough to cater for the entire family. Owing to that, we have been unable to meet other household essential commodities such as clothing, among others. In case we are lucky to get this transfer, it will bring a sigh of financial relief in our family.
