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.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was in the evening when I received a message confirming that I had received $180 from GiveDirectly. At that moment, I was at the nearby river, checking on a piece of land that I wanted to cultivate. Excited by the news, I rushed back home to inform.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference since I started receiving cash transfers from GiveDirectly has been the ability to own a goat, which has since multiplied to two. Before this support, I did not own any livestock, so this feels like a significant achievement. This is just the beginning; I hope to increase my herd with future GiveDirectly transfers. By allowing my goats to multiply, I can create a sustainable source of income and have livestock to rely on in times of emergencies. This new venture gives me hope for a more secure future and the ability to support my family when needed.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Recently, after receiving $180 from GiveDirectly, I wanted to invest in something sustainable that would help me remember the support even after the transfers are done. I spent $70 to buy a goat, which has since given birth, and now I have two goats. This feels like a double blessing, especially since I didn’t own any livestock before.
I recently married seven months ago and have a young family, so I also spent $25 on essential household items that we didn’t have, including a utensil stand and a charcoal _jiko_. The _jiko_ has been especially helpful for cooking during the rainy season when we cannot find firewood.
After that, I used $48 to irrigate my piece of land where I have planted vegetables. These vegetables will serve as food for my family, and I plan to sell any surplus to meet other household needs. The rest of the money went toward buying new clothes for me and my wife. This support from GiveDirectly has greatly improved our lives, and I am truly grateful.
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access_time 3 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Receiving the cash transfers means so much to me and my family because we believe it's a chance for us to improve our lives. For the first cash transfers I intend to buy 8 sheep using KES 18000 of the transfers. Since I don't own any livestock this will be a great progress for me. For the second cash transfer, I intend to build an iron sheet house. I will use KES 45000 to accomplish this. Since I live in a grass thatched mud house this will be a big step for me. For the finals cash transfers, I plan to use the money to invest in a tomato plantation. I intend to grow a hector of tomatoes. This will be a great investment for me because it will be a source of money that would enable me to provide for my family. Through the cash transfers I will be able to change my life positively, thanks to Give Directly for the consideration to visit our village.
What is the happiest part of your day?
My happiness in the last 6 months came from being able to build a grass thatched house. initially, I was living with my parents but in January of this year I managed to build a house of my own which greatly delighted me. I always feel good that I have a place of my own. Because of this small house I was able to marry which has brought me even more joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Currently I'm facing a lot of challenges but my most pressing challenge is my house. Currently, I'm living in a small mud and grass thatched house which is not very comfortable. I wish I could build a better Iron sheet house but I don't have money to do so. This makes me feel bad since I married recently and I haven't been able to build a better house for my family.
