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?
In the coming years, I want to expand my business with the money I receive from my transfer. By growing my business, I will have more income to support my family. Once I start earning, I plan to invest in farming as well, which will provide us with food and additional income. Farming will help us become more self-sufficient and secure. I believe this combination will improve our lives and ensure my children have a better future. Ultimately, I want to create a stable life for my family and give them opportunities I didn’t have.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The officers from GiveDirectly treated everyone fairly and made sure to enroll all of us without discrimination. They educated us about how the money works and how to use it wisely. Their focus was only on helping us, with no hidden agenda or extra business involved. I appreciate their approach and how they made us feel valued. I did not notice anything negative about their work or behavior. Overall, I believe they are doing a great job, and I hope they continue to support those who need it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Living without a proper house was a struggle for me and my five children. We had been sharing one small roof, and it was not a good environment for them to sleep in. When I received the cash transfer of $450, I knew I had to invest it in constructing a room made of iron sheets. This new home would provide my children with a safe space to sleep and grow. My husband is a farmer, while I run a small business selling foodstuff, but our lives were turned upside down when the floods destroyed our five acres of vegetables and butternuts, which we depended on for food and income.I decided to use the entire amount to build this room, as it was a necessity for our family. With the floods, we had lost everything we were hoping to rely on, and it felt like we were starting from scratch. Constructing the room not only gave us shelter but also restored some stability to our lives. I felt a sense of relief knowing my children would have a safe place to call home. Furthermore, this investment in a new house represents hope for a better future. Having a solid structure will allow us to focus on rebuilding our lives and pursuing our farming and business goals. I am grateful for the support that made this possible, and I believe this new beginning will help us recover from the hardships we faced.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($141 USD)
access_time 2 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was a normal day, and I was attending to customers at my shop when I received a message confirming that I had received $183 from GiveDirectly. Excited by the news, I quickly checked my mother-in-law’s phone to confirm her message as well, and then headed to her house to share the good news with her. We are grateful to GiveDirectly.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Without the GiveDirectly transfer, I wouldn’t have managed to transport and install the milling machine from Nakuru. Before, we struggled with buying already milled maize and dealing with costly transportation from town, which limited our profits. The milling machine had to stay in Nakuru for two weeks because we didn’t have the funds for transportation and installation. Now, with the machine fully operational, I see a significant difference in our situation. Previously, we made a profit of about $2 per 90 kg bag of maize. Since we started milling for ourselves, our profit has increased to $3 per bag. This change not only boosts our earnings but also reduces our expenses on buying and transporting milled maize. Every time I see the machine in operation, I feel grateful for the GiveDirectly support that made this possible. It has transformed our business and improved our financial stability.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
GiveDirectly's cash arrived at the perfect time. Things were tough for us after losing our crops to floods, including maize, melon, and vegetables. Before this, we had planted melons and used the income to invest in our posho mill business. We had been buying already milled maize and selling it, but transportation from town limited our profits. After buying a posho mill machine in Nakuru, we didn’t have the money for transportation and installation, so the machine stayed in Nakuru for two weeks. When I received my first transfer, I decided to allocate $100 to cover the transport and installation costs. Previously, we made a profit of about $2 per 90 kg bag, but now we’re making $3 per 90 kg bag. At the same time, my two children needed school game kits and sweaters, which I bought for $50. With the remaining funds, I purchased a table worth $30 because the one we had was too small and not sufficient for our family of seven.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Seven months ago, I ventured into retail shop business to generate income for my family of seven. I have been eager to expand this business, but financial constraints have held me back. Since we rely on farming for our livelihood, most of our earnings go towards basic needs like food, clothing, and school fees for my children, leaving little room for savings.
When the transfers come through, I am determined to invest $400 into expanding my retail venture. This opportunity not only promises extra income but also fills me with hope to better serve our community. Another $300 will go towards a new water pump for irrigation; our current one is damaged, and ensuring reliable irrigation is vital for our farming. These decisions are more than just financial investments; they are steps towards securing our family's future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Despite the flash floods we experienced two months ago, I am grateful that none of our property was washed away. Although the waters entered our house and left behind mud, we managed to clear the debris and are now fully resettled. Our business is thriving, which brings me joy, even though my children have been unwell recently.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
After the floods hit my village Loldama 2 months ago, our family faced significant challenges. The damp conditions led to my children developing pneumonia, and malaria spread rapidly. Moreover, due to contaminated water, they also contracted typhoid. This health crisis has been financially draining for us, with numerous hospital visits. So far, we have spent $30 on medications, funded through the sales of vegetables from our half-acre plot of land. Despite these hardships, we remain hopeful and determined to overcome this difficult period.
