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 ($442 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?
After achieving a lot with the transfer, my new goal is to renovate my house by putting up pillars since it is about to collapse because most of the poles have been destroyed by termites. I am planning to spend some of the income from the livestock business to repair my structure. This will give me peace of mind because I will no longer have to worry about the poor status of our house.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, Givedirectly did well in helping poor households with cash aid instead of material aid. In addition, giving cash without strings attached is what they did well. Also, I just wish they continue to training to the beneficiaries before the transfer is sent so that it might have a great impact on their life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I desired to improve crop farming to have enough food security for my family. Currently, providing food and other necessities like education have be a tough task. I spent KES 15,000 to purchase an ox which will assist in preparing the farm. At the moment, I use the old method of farming using hands which is very slow and characterized by low harvest, or hiring Oxen from neighbors which is very expensive. In addition, my second born had just completed primary and was joining secondary school, I used KES 20,500 for shopping and paid part of the fees. Currently. I am happy that he was able to join form one and learn without any challenges. Moreover, I spent KES 2,500 to take my daughter to a tailoring college. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to support the education of the remaining two children who are still in primary school.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 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 5pm and we were from the market as it our area market day when I received the text message confirming that I have received the money from GiveDirectly. I was so happy when I got the money because I didn't expect since such promises about money could easily be a hoax or lie , therefore, I was happy that it was true and none of my fears or worries.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am so grateful because before I started receiving money from GiveDirectly I didn't have enough money to run my livestock buying and selling business, I could be called by a prospective seller but since I didn't have the money then that opportunity would pass me. However, since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly, I can now respond to such calls promptly and very confidently because I was able to keep aside enough money for that.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent most of the transfer which was KES 15000 on buying a cow because I believe it is a gateway to endless opportunities as it is a male cow. When it grow into a mature bull, I can use it for ploughing, sell it or exchange it for a female one that wouldn't take long to start reproducing which would increase the count in my compound and subsequently help me address the financial challenges I will be facing in the future especially educating my children. I am so grateful.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I do livestock business. It has been always my dream to sell a huge stock to get enough profit in return. Currently, I earn two thousand Kenya shillings in a week. I plan to use twenty-five Kenya shillings to add capital to my business, 10 thousand Kenya shillings to clear school fees and the rest to purchase food. By doing this I will be able to concentrate on my business and save some money for my four children's secondary education.
What is the happiest part of your day?
In the past six months, I have been able to earn some money to feed and pay at least half of the school fees to my kids. At the beginning of this year, my life was tough, children were chased out of school due to school arrears and sometimes the kids go to bed on an empty stomach something that stressed me. Catering to my family some of the basic needs gives me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Transporting livestock from the interior to the market has been my challenge. I usually walk for a long-distance day and night leaving my four children alone at home since my wife died last year and no one to take care of them. I chose to sacrifice and walk on foot so that I can save money to buy food for them. Sometimes I get sick and end up in the hospital using the money that I saved for my family to extend it to medication. It gives me a headache and saddens my heart however, I hope one day this hard moment will come to an end.
