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?
The plan I have now is to clear the remaining balance of $100 for the half a acre piece of land I recently secured. This land is on raised ground, which is much safer compared to where we currently live. I intend to move our house to this new plot to avoid future flooding incidents, especially after what happened to my grandmother. She is over 70 years old, and during the last floods, our house was submerged while she was inside. We had to rescue her and take her to a neighbor's place for safety. By relocating to higher ground, I can ensure my family, particularly my grandmother, will be protected from such dangers in the future.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Enrollment was conducted at home, where every household was registered individually by GiveDirectly officers, ensuring there was no discrimination. This independent process made the experience feel fair and inclusive for everyone involved. Since participation was optional, it gave us the freedom to decide whether or not to enroll, which reinforced the program's transparency. The follow-up on transfers has been a great encouragement, helping us use the money responsibly and meet the organization’s broader goal of reducing poverty. I find their approach effective, and there’s no need for improvement; please continue with the same model.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Our area is prone to floods, and my house, being in a flat area, makes it even more vulnerable. This year was not the first time we were affected, and I knew it would not be the last. When I received my second transfer, I decided to secure half an acre of land, which was going for $400, for which I paid a deposit of $300. I plan to clear the remaining balance with my final transfer and eventually move my current house to this new, safer location. To meet my family’s needs, I rely on crop farming, but with the ongoing climate shocks, farming has become more difficult. To diversify my income and reduce risk, I began keeping goats, as they tend to do well in our area. I initially bought three goats and then added two more with my first transfer. With my second transfer, I was able to add two more goats for $100, while the remaining money went towards food, as we did not have enough after losing our two acres of maize to the floods. Thank you, GiveDirectly, for the support.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($142 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I remember attending a prayer day for my cousin who was about to sit for his final exams, and during the event, I overheard some of my fellow villagers talking excitedly about receiving money from GiveDirectly. I hadn't checked my phone yet because it was out of charge, so I tried not to think too much about it, but the curiosity nagged at me. As soon as I got home, I immediately plugged in my phone and waited anxiously for it to charge. When I finally switched it on, to my utter surprise, the money was there! I was so overwhelmed with joy because I finally knew I could buy goats and some furniture. The relief that washed over me in that moment was indescribable; I felt like a burden had been lifted, and I could finally plan for a better future.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my life since I received the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly is that I've been able to add two more goats to my flock. I used to have just three, but now with five goats, I can look forward to selling some of them when they grow, which will help me buy inputs for my farm. Another change that has brought me so much joy is that I was finally able to purchase a sofa set. Before, I only had two plastic chairs, and whenever I had visitors, I had to borrow more chairs from my neighbors just to accommodate everyone. Now, I feel more confident and proud to host guests in my home.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the unconditional cash transfer, I knew that I had to make smart decisions to improve my family's situation. First, I bought two goats for $80 because they multiply quickly and can be a valuable asset. I can sell them when I need money, which provides a sense of financial security. Next, I bought a three-seater sofa set for $50. Up until then, we had only been using plastic chairs, and having a proper sofa makes our home feel more comfortable and welcoming. I then spent $15 on a table and $20 on clothes. The table was necessary to complete our living room, and the new clothes were something I needed to boost my confidence and present myself well. Finally, I used the rest of the money to buy food items for my household. My grandmother and I have been struggling to make ends meet, so being able to stock up on food was a significant relief for both of us.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Aside from farming, which poses challenges like climate changes, I am eager to diversify my income sources. I plan to spend $300 in acquiring more goats to add to the current 2 I own. Goats are appealing to me because they breed quickly, and our environment here is conducive for them. Additionally, I intend to spend $100 towards purchasing furniture, as we currently lack durable furniture at home therefore improving our living conditions and comfort. Moreover, I plan to spend $200 in recultivating the 1-acre plot of land that was washed away by floods. This is crucial for ensuring food security for my family of two and also aims to restore our agricultural productivity. Furthermore, I will also spend $100 towards relocating my house to higher ground within our compound because our current location often gets waterlogged, hence ensuring our living environment is safer and more sustainable.Overall, these investments aim to make my family more food secure and financially stable, providing a sense of excitement and optimism for the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Due to the significant age gap between my grandmother, with whom I live, and me, I find it challenging to stay updated on current affairs daily. To bridge this gap, I frequently meet up with friends at the local center after a long day's work on the farm. We discuss various issues that impact our daily lives, which leaves me feeling rejuvenated and happy. It's a refreshing way to stay connected and informed amidst my farming responsibilities.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I am deeply saddened by what happened to my farm. I put so much effort into growing maize on my 1.5-acre plot, hoping it would provide food and income for my family of two. Unfortunately, the rivers nearby flooded and washed away everything I had planted.To make matters worse, I had taken a loan from Kenya Seed, expecting to repay it with the harvest in August 2024. Now, all my plans are ruined, and I am afraid of the financial burden this loss will bring. It is a difficult time for us, and I am not sure how we will recover from this setback.
