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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Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($141 USD)
access_time 11 days ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the farm, keeping an eye on my vegetables to make sure no stray goats wandered in when my phone buzzed in my pocket. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but when I pulled it out, I saw a message that made my heart skip a beat. It was from GiveDirectly, confirming that I had just received the cash transfer. I couldn’t believe it. Right there, standing among my crops, I felt a wave of happiness wash over me. I knew immediately what I was going to do with the money—I would finally buy those chairs for my home, something I’d been wanting for a long time.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference I've seen since receiving the unconditional cash from GiveDirectly is that I was finally able to buy four chairs and a sofa set. Before the transfers, I used to sit on logs outside, or worse, I had to borrow seats from my neighbors. That never sat well with me, especially because people would talk behind my back, saying things like, I used to be a teacher, but I can't even afford to buy proper seats. It hurt because teaching didn't pay much, and I eventually quit because of the meager salary. But now, thanks to the cash, I no longer have to rely on anyone for something as basic as furniture, and that sense of independence feels incredible.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the unconditional cash, I knew exactly what I needed to do. I started by buying four plastic chairs for $30 and a sofa set for $55. Before that, I used to sit on a stone outside, and whenever I went into the house, I'd have to sit on the bed. Having proper chairs makes such a difference—it feels like a real home now, and I no longer feel embarrassed when visitors come over. In addition to the furniture, I used $95 to buy two sheep. For me, this was an important investment because sheep multiply quickly. They provide an opportunity to earn money when I need it, especially during emergencies. I can sell one or two if something urgent comes up, and in the meantime, they continue to grow and multiply. Lastly, I also used a part of the money to buy food for my family. The cash transfer helped me prioritize things that will make a lasting difference. Now, I feel more secure knowing I have made some smart investments and improved my home.
Enrolled
access_time 4 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Having lost an acre of watermelon to floods, the transfers will help me bounce back again into farming. I took a loan of $600 to farm, and I do not have any other source to use to repay the loan after incurring the loss. I will use all the transfers to farm and the proceeds will help me repay the loan while the remainder will sustain my needs. Give directly will change my life and I am happy that it came at such a time.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am thankful to God for good health and it is what gives me joy and peace of mind. Having the strength to go about my daily chores without an hindrance is my happiness. Despite all the challenges I keep praying that my health remains steady.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Lack of finances is a challenge because I lost everything I had to floods. I had watermelon that was ready for harvest and all were swept away in a night. This gave me a loss of $860 and am yet to recover from it as a result I do casual jobs to earn money and it is difficult getting used to it.
