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 ($421 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
At the moment, I have a new goal to expand the current livestock farming I have been running. After buying two dairy cows with the second transfer, I expect an increase in milk production from my cows. This project will ensure an uncomplicated payment of school fees for my children and providing other basic needs when I get a family of my own.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Everyone in our village was overjoyed to receive a free cash transfer that came with the freedom to spend it however they saw fit. The organization is doing so well because it first educates people on the best practices for using their accounts to avoid losing money to fraudsters.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the second transfer, I spent $400 to purchase two cows that have been producing milk and thus saved me from buying milk daily. I have been selling to my neighbors the excess milk and using the money to buy food and other household stuff for daily use. I own a small garage which has been the sole income provider in my home. I bought more spare parts worth $80 to restock my business and this boosted my sales. I used the remaining transfer of $50 to buy foodstuff and other required items in the house.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($463 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
When I received the first transfer from GiveDirectly, I was delighted to know that all the plans I had would be accomplished. It was around 7:34 PM when I got the confirmation message. This was great excitement to me and even though I could not withdraw for the next two days, I was assured that the money will be safe as I arrange how to spend it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the improved services in my shop that have yielded a better profit margin. This has revived the saving culture that was dying since I could not get an extra coin after paying my daily bills. At the moment, I can save an appreciable amount that I believe will be of great use in the future.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have a workshop where I had been doing repairs for cars and motorcycles. For the past two years, this had been the source of my daily income. I have been planning to equip it, but due to insufficient funding; I have had to use the little pieces of equipment as I borrow some from the neighboring carriage. The first transfer was a boost to me after spending KES 15000 on buying new equipment that enabled me to increase the services I am offering to my customers. In addition, I also spent KES 25000 on a bull that I am fattening with the intent of selling it out in the future to buy a dairy cow. Since I am living alone at the moment, buying a cup of milk daily for my breakfast has never been that hard. I spent the remaining amount on foodstuff, clothes, and other household goods that were missing.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money will lead to self-reliance in my daily operations. I am a mechanic in a nearby town, repairing cars. Even though I have many clients, I do not have enough tools such as spanners and a jerk. I rely on my fellow mechanics who assists me with theirs and this has derailed my effort to have full productivity. My ambition has been to own them and stop over-relying on others which I feel I am bothering them. I, therefore, intend to spend approximately KES 35,000 of the first transfer to acquire them and become fully self-reliant. I feel rejuvenated that soon I will be able to own them.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the last 6 months, I have not come home empty-handed due to a lack of cash from my daily hustle. This is what has brought happiness to my life. There is no single day I have not gotten any job to do because I have many clients who frequent our garage and trust in my quality work.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
A prolonged period of drought is the biggest challenge we are currently facing. Over the last 10 years, we have been unable to cultivate enough crops on our land. My family and I own 8 acres of land and out of this, 75% of it is idle due to unfavorable weather conditions. We are worried that in case we cultivate it, we might end up harvesting nothing because of drought and the maize necrosis disease. Having such a large piece of land that is futile agitates me.
