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 ($467 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My new goal is to start a kiosk business where I would sell small household items like shops, sugar. The income from this job would assist me in meeting my small household needs like food, something that will make my life more comfortable.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly did well in visiting every village in our society. In addition, they did well in enrolling every household and issuing mobile phones which aided in improving communication between us and the organization. I do not see anything that it did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my second transfer to purchase 3 cows at KES 15,000 each. This was to improve livestock rearing, an activity that I have been depending on to raise my family. My long-term plan is to sell them once they reproduce to advance the education of my 5 children. I spent the remaining amount to support my kid's education by clearing their arrears, they had huge fee arrears which made them constantly stay at home.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($492 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 9 AM when I was just relaxing with my family then I heard my phone vibrating so loudly. This was an indication of a new messge. Since I am illetrate, I asked one of my children to read out for me the contents of the messages. Upon checking, she realized that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I was overwhelmed with happiness becasue I knew my life would change positively. That will remain to be one of the memorable days in my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life ever since I started receiving the transfer is that I now have ten goats in my homestead. I am now hopeful that my dream of buying a cow is now achievable. Very soon they will multiply since currently, some have already started reproducing and wish is to sell the offspring for a dairy cow. These have been the well thoughtful assets that will help me in providing for my family's needs. My spouse has been the family breadwinner and doesn't have a stable job. Therefore taking good care of the seven children was not that easy. Therefore once I get the dairy cow my life will improve because first, my children will be healthier because we will not have to buy milk, it will supplement our daily meals. The goats will continue reproducing and in that process, my livestock will increase in number. This will make me wealthier and I will be able to achieve most of my goals. Through them, I will be able to easily pay school fees for my children and cater to other basic needs
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my transfer on buying livestock more so ten goats at a total of KES 30000. These have been the well thoughtful assets that I have been yearning to keep in my compound bit because of the financial constraints, I could barely afford it. I, however, opted for the goats because as compared to the other domestic animals they have so many benefits and they require minimal supervision. Also, I paid school fees of KES 10000 for my two daughters who are in secondary schools and I am glad the money came in good time because their exams were around the corner. With the remaining amount of money I am using it in buying enough food like maize flour, vegetables and cereals among others
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have desired to invest in livestock because this is the only way I can save my money to earn a profit when selling them after they multiply. I, therefore, intend to start with 10 goats that will cost me KES 30000 of my first transfer. I will further use the remaining amount of my first transfer to pay the school fees balance for my two daughters in Secondary school. With the second transfer, I will spend KES 40000 to buy 2 indegious dairy cows, the milk produced will be for both domestic consumption and sale. All proceeds will go towards my children's educational needs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The evening is the happiest part of my day because it is usually at this time when I am back home from my charcoal work. The resting gives me the feeling of happiness. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I get stressed with the strenuous work of charcoal.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life. Currently, I do charcoal work and my husband depending on casual jobs which are not reliable. The earnings from our jobs are minimal of KES 8000 per that cannot fully support all household needs. We sometimes skip meals or borrow from other relatives something that stressed me a lot.
