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?
Looking ahead, I have six children who will still be in school when the cash transfers expire after five years. My goal is to invest my subsequent transfers to purchase more sheep and goats. These livestock will serve as an income source, enabling me to finance my children's education after the cash transfer program ends. The ability of livestock to multiply makes it a valuable investment, as their value increases over time. I am very happy that, with the help of the cash transfers, I can plan well and ensure my children receive the best education possible to have a good future ahead. Investing in livestock will not only provide a stable income but also act as a financial cushion in times of need, securing my family's well-being and education in the long term.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I purchase livestock and sell them at the market at a higher price. I am also a livestock broker, assisting farmers in selling their livestock. I earn my commission once the deal is successfully sealed. This job is not without challenges, the main one being the lack of sufficient capital to purchase livestock in good health that would fetch good prices in the market. Sometimes, it takes a long time to make any sales, greatly affecting my ability to provide for my family. I have six children in school. The eldest is in secondary school, while the remaining five are in primary school. When I am unable to make any sales, my children are affected the most. Before being enrolled in the cash program, they would spend a lot of time at home after being sent away from school due to unpaid fees. I am glad that they now frequently attend school after clearing the huge debt. I spent $68 to pay school fees for my children, ensuring the seamless continuation of their education. In addition to paying school fees, I purchased a sheep for $34. I now have four sheep purchased with the cash from the transfers. I am very happy with the positive turn the cash transfers have made in my life and that of my family. The financial support has not only helped me ensure my children's education but has also allowed me to invest in livestock, gradually improving our financial stability.
22nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time 7 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I hold onto hope that the hybrid goats I've acquired will thrive and multiply, growing into a flourishing flock. This expansion will open doors for potential future sales and provide financial security during times of need. I see this investment as more than just acquiring livestock but like purchasing insurance for my family's future. Knowing that I have this asset to fall back on offers a sense of reassurance, enabling me to confidently navigate whatever challenges may arise. Ultimately, these goats represent more; they symbolize stability, resilience, and the opportunity to provide for my children's well-being in the years to come. With each step forward in this journey, I'm filled with determination and gratitude for the chance to safeguard my family's future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving assistance from GiveDirectly has finally made my long-held dream of owning high-quality hybrid goats a reality. The joy and excitement I feel are beyond words. I used $65 of my transfers to acquire one of these magnificent goats, knowing it's an investment that holds promise for a better future. Additionally, I allocated $34 to ensure my children's education continues uninterrupted by paying their school fees. Education is paramount, and being able to support my children's learning journey fills me with immense pride and satisfaction. With the remaining $3, I purchased food for my family, supplementing what we already had. It may seem like a small amount, but every bit counts when it comes to ensuring our well-being and nourishment.Overall, this support from GiveDirectly has not only fulfilled immediate needs but has also sparked hope for a brighter tomorrow. I'm grateful beyond measure for this opportunity to improve our lives and look forward to the journey ahead with optimism and gratitude.
17th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($23 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I eagerly anticipate expanding my livestock holdings, particularly by acquiring more goats, recognizing the potential for significant profit in this venture. The forthcoming transfers, as well as my existing ones, will be allocated toward purchasing these goats. Establishing a stable source of income through this business venture holds great importance to me, as it ensures that my children can receive a quality education. Education is a priority in my life, and having a reliable income stream will enable me to support my children's educational needs more effectively.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Life posed significant challenges as I struggled to provide an education for my eight children due to financial constraints. Making ends meet for my family was difficult as I depended on odd jobs and my wife, a subsistence farmer, did not have a source of income. The assistance provided by GiveDirectly has been particularly impactful, especially in covering school fees, allowing me to meet these financial obligations comfortably. Allocating $68 from the assistance, I invested in buying two sheep, taking advantage of the current abundance of grass due to recent rains, with plans to sell it later for additional income. Additionally, $34 was used to purchase food, addressing the scarcity during the initial stages of planting. I am genuinely pleased with the progress I have made, and this support has significantly contributed to my family's well-being.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My profound dedication to education fuels my desire for my seven children to achieve the brightest possible future through learning. Witnessing their ongoing commitment to education will be the most significant source of pride for me in the years ahead. I hold a strong belief that they will not only secure a prosperous future for themselves but also lend their support in my later years.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In August, I invested $30 from my monthly transfers in purchasing a lamb. My primary source of income comes from my livestock buying and selling business, and I bought the lamb with the anticipation of reaping long-term benefits as it multiplies. These lambs have a relatively short gestation period of six months, allowing them to reproduce quickly. In the next two to three years, I expect the value of the lambs to appreciate, contributing to the growth of my initial investment. Drawing on my ten years of experience in livestock trading, I am confident that this venture will yield favorable returns in the near future. With the remaining $4, I purchased essential food items, including sugar, to provide for my family. Despite the challenging circumstances surrounding my income source, I am grateful that these transfers are helping meet our basic needs.
9th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As a father, nothing is more important to me than ensuring that my children receive a good education. I firmly believe that education is the key to their future success and independence. When I see my children studying, it feels me with hope because I know that they have the potential to make a positive impact on the world. To support their education, I plan to expand my goat-rearing business, which has already proven to be a profitable source of income. The profits will go towards paying for my children's school fees, as well as providing for our daily needs. I am grateful to GiveDirectly for their assistance, which has enabled me to invest in my family's future. I am determined to provide my children with the opportunities and resources they need to thrive and achieve their full potential.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Thanks to the support from GiveDirectly, I was able to pay for my children's school fees without any financial burden. I used $10 to pay for my child in secondary school and $10 for my child in primary school. The rest of the money went towards buying food and supporting my family's daily needs. My goat-rearing business has also been thriving, and I make a profit of $50, which helps me pay for any outstanding school fees and provide for my family. I am grateful for the opportunity to invest in my children's education, and I am committed to ensuring that they have a bright future.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES
access_time almost 2 years ago
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What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My lack of a steady salary has made it difficult for me to raise the tuition for my four primary school-age children, who are currently enrolled in school. I buy and sell cattle in the neighborhood market, but I do so on a tiny scale, so my family of six can barely get by on the meager revenues from it. I have spent $30 of the transfers over the last three months on my kids' tuition. In addition, I spent $46 on food for the family and purchased three chickens worth $22 for upbringing. I'm happy to say that the money has been really helpful in easing our financial difficulties.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I commend the organization for choosing to help the poor in society. The unconditional transfer will transform my life and life into a better one, away from poverty. I urge the organization to enroll more people into the program, especially from poverty-stricken villages.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent all my transfers on paying school fees and upkeep money for my eldest son, who is in college. He is taking a course in mechanical engineering at a school in Mombasa. Because of the distance away from home, he has to pay for accommodation away from school, and is very expensive. I struggle to cater to his needs in school because I earn very little from the casual jobs. In addition, two children are in their final year of primary school to support. Receiving the funds was an enormous boost for me because I had no money and could not get a job to support my children in their respective schools.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
3050 KES ($26 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received a text message confirming that I had received my transfer at noon. I was in my house taking a nap after unsuccessful job hunting in the morning. My mind was full of thoughts on where I would get money to pay school fees for my children. My heart was filled with joy upon receiving the transfer and I mummured a short thanks giving prayer to the Almighty.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest differnce the transfer has made in myblife is to enable me pay school fees for my son. I had no idea how I would raise KES 4500 to pay for the previous term fee balances. Through the money from the tranafer, my son got the opportunity to go to school and is currently doing well and continuing with his studies without any disruption.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am casual laborer earning a living through selling charcoal and building houses. Finding a job has been difficult owing to the poor state of the economy. Its a challange for me considering I have a big family ( wife and seven children) who depend on me to provide for their needs ( food, clothing and school fees). When I received my transfer, I paid school fees fkr my eldest son who is secondary school. Schools were due to reopen for the second term after a one week break. I had no money to clear the fee balance that my son had for the previous term because I did not have a job. Receiving the money was a huge boost in ensuring that my son would go back to school.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have a family of seven children and a wife. I have been broking the sales of domestic animals to be able to earn commissions as my primary source of income. Through that I can raise at least 4000 KES monthly on average to take care of my family. Initially I used to work in Mombasa as a gardener earning that same amount but I stopped five years ago when my needs exceeded that amount. All my seven children are currently taking primary with only the eldest yet to begin high school education. This has been worrying me somehow because I will need more money than I'm able to make when he joins. But with the prospect of getting this money, I'm already happy since it will relieve me off that burden.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I have been so elated since I heard that GiveDirectly was going to visit my village! I already learnt a lot about this organization through my friends from the villages that have been visited and people benefitted like Ndarako. I saw how people managed to fund their personal projects like livestock keeping which is something I'm also interested in. And right now because my turn has come, I can only picture good things happening to me.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I experience a lot of inadequacy of financial resources due to the fact that I do not have a reliable source of income. As I mentioned, I'm just a broker so it's never sure that I'm going to make money on a market day. And what makes it worse is the situation we have in the village where everything has a price tag including water. I would be very happy if I had some amount of money that I'm sure to receive every month so that I just work to top it up. Initially my wife also used to burn charcoal to eek out my income but she no longer has good health to continue with such physical jobs.