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 ($463 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I already have a dairy cow and two heifers and it is my wish to purchase an additional dairy cow when I get money. By doing so, I will earn more money through the sale of surplus when they calve. With this, I will be able to concentrate on both crop and dairy farming so that I can get enough money to use in supporting my family. My ultimate goal is to be self-reliant through farming and I believe that I will achieve this with time.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, what GiveDirectly does well is having a fair enrollment process and following up after sending the transfer to check on us on how we have spent the transfers. Also, they did well by educating us on everything we needed to know about the program and I do not see anything that they did not do well.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I have been working on my farm and when I am through, I usually work on other people's farms for pay. This has been my source of income that I use in supporting my family and in paying school fees for our three children. Buying milk has been draining us financially since I had two heifers that have not started calving. When I received my second transfer, I spent KES 35000 to buy a dairy cow, two goats at KES 10000 and used the remaining amount to buy two sacks of maize that we still have.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I woke up at around 7a.m and was getting ready to take breakfast when my phone vibrated.When I checked, it was much awaited cash transfer from Givedirectly.We all celebrated the good news.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is the construction of a new modern house. Am happy that I can enjoy warmth at all season
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With a family of six, we had been living in a small grass-thatched house with the hope of renewing the roof but with financial constraints, this never seem to be possible. With Kshs, 40,000 of my first cash transfer we used to construct a spacious and modern house. We are all happy that the house is at its final stages and soon we are looking forward to moving in. With the remaining amount, I used in purchasing clothes and foodstuff for all my family members.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I have been a milk vendor for the last 5 years and because of my low capital, this business is not doing well. I buy milk from the farm at KES 30 and sell it at a local market at KES 45 earning me a profit of KES 15 for every liter. My operating capital is KES 1000 per day and this is enough to buy only 33 liters. This cannot meet the market demand for this commodity. I have tried to apply for a loan at local banks but lack of security for the same has been a hindrance. I plan to inject KES 10000 into this venture so as to buy more milk to meet the market demand. Receiving this money will greatly boost my ailing business
What is the happiest part of your day?
Last year, I lent a friend KES 2500 and he promised to refund in a months time only for him to disappear from the village. Not even his wife knew of his whereabouts. In September this year, the same friend resurfaced and paid back my money plus interest. I received a total of KES 5000 from him and that made me so happy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Food insecurity is the biggest challenge that I currently face. My farm is largely rocky and that means no agricultural activity can take place. I have to buy every food item like vegetables, milk, and maize flour, unlike my neighbors who get almost all from their farms. I am a milk vendor and I make a profit of KES 300-400 daily. On many occasions, what I buy exceeds my daily income and this has exposed me to losses that have adversely affected my business. I am not in a position to pay debts that I owe my customers and it is only a matter of time before I shut down.
