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
53010 KES ($392 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?
In the upcoming year and beyond, I aim to intensify my attention towards animal husbandry, which I recently commenced with the aid of the second transfer. At the moment, I possess a heifer, and I intend to increase my livestock by acquiring additional animals in the future. Furthermore, I am in the process of constructing a chicken house that will serve as a foundation for my upcoming poultry venture. By engaging in these two initiatives, I anticipate supplementing my family's income by trading livestock-related products such as eggs, milk, and the offspring.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly is performing admirably in offering financial support to those who require it. The fact that we had never received aid before is evidence of the organization's ability to assist people in an impartial manner. The open enrollment procedure, which requires no contacts to participate in the program, emphasizes GiveDirectly's dedication to equality and impartiality. There was a palpable level of professionalism that ensured that every individual had an equal opportunity to benefit from the program. Finally, the liberty to utilize the cash transfer in any way that suits our individual circumstances is essential in empowering us to make informed decisions. In general, the success of GiveDirectly in our locality demonstrates their commitment to eradicating poverty and supporting vulnerable populations.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
As an elderly couple with most of our children moved out and only the two youngest attending school, household tasks like fetching water from the river have been difficult for my wife, who is over 60, and myself at 74. However, when we received the second transfer, we saw an opportunity to improve our situation. We spent $210 on a large water tank that now collects rainwater from our roof, providing us with water for a whole month when full. Additionally, I used $200 to buy a heifer to add to the one I had borrowed from a neighbor, with plans to breed and sell the offspring in the future to pay for our children's school fees. I also bought construction materials for a chicken coop, and once completed, we plan to start a poultry project. Finally, the remaining amount was used to buy food for our family of five.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($442 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I can vividly recall the moment that I got a text showing that I had received a sum of $550. I was at home relaxing. Then suddenly, I heard my phone ringing. Upon checking I was lost for words when I saw a message notification showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly. I was so happy and grateful for the support that came when we least expect it. I then told my wife and children who were equally grateful and relieved because he knew that we would accomplish our goals. We then embarked on planning.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily work today is that I was able to purchase a water tank. This has saved my wife from going to the stream in search of water daily. Secondly, I paid for national hospital insurance coverage. I was unable to accomplish all this due to financial constraints. Additionally, I was able to purchase enough foodstuffs in the house. I am happy and grateful for the support that brought so much happiness into our lives and also uplifted my living standards.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My wife and I depend on farming in earning an income. Though, due to our old age, it becomes an uphill. Upon receipt of the transfer, I prioritised purchasing a water tank worth $250. This is because I wanted to save my wife from the Cumbersome task of several trips to the stream in such water. Additionally, I used $150 in building a poultry house. This is because I am optimistic that it will boost our income. I also spent some of the money on medical coverage and foodstuffs. I feel my living standards have been greatly uplifted because of the unconditional cash transfer and thus, I am grateful.
Enrolled
access_time 2 years ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
We are so excited as a family because receiving this money means that we shall resume livestock farming soon. We are so hopeful that in six months to come we shall have revived our main source of income. We shall buy 3 dairy cows and since there is plenty of pasture around the house they will be feeding well and producing milk optimally. We would also like to try again chicken rearing but this time since we plan to invest $300 we shall be able to curb disease invasion of the flock through proper vaccination and larger rearing space.
What is the happiest part of your day?
There have been so many events in the last six months and as a person who depends a lot on farming activities I have not seen anything that has brought joy to me because I am not expecting any harvest this year and worst to it, I lost a flock of chicken due to Newcastle diseases last month.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I have been depending on livestock and crop farming to earn a living since I settled here in the year 1974. This continued well until the year 2015 when maize crops started failing in this place despite sustained rainfall and weather patterns. My income was severely affected by this change because it reduced by 70%. I would initially earn almost $500 annually but it reduced to $200. This came at a time when my 3 children were in school and tuition fees of $400 annually was needed. I sold all the livestock to manage the situation and this has affected my financial situation further. We no longer have a source of income as a family now, I have to depend on selling of charcoal which is regarded as illegal here because it reduces tree cover of the land. I barely get $20 per month which goes to food entirely, nothing for clothing or investment which really worries me because old age is also kicking in and I need to have some savings.
