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 ($454 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
On receiving the first and the second transfer, I had a lot enlisted to be completed by my family. I am glad that all went well, and we delivered on all we had promised ourselves to. At the moment, I have a new goal to construct a new house that is more decent and spacious compared to the two grass-thatched houses we are sheltering in. I could not allocate any amount to this project since I had other pressing issues that I needed to address.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly changed many people's lives with the financial support that enabled them to choose how to spend. Many bought livestock, others constructed new houses for their families, while others invested in assets. I am glad that GiveDirectly visited everyone and had no restrictions on spending patterns. I don't have any complaints at all but am thankful for the whole support I received.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
My first transfer from GiveDirectly brought in a dairy cow that has consistently provided milk to my family of seven. The second transfer came as a boost of the same dream when we straightened our livestock farming by bringing in two other livestock - a heifer and a bullock at KES 30000. The two will not only be useful in milk production in the future, but we can also sell their offspring out to meet some obligations. I also bought clothing for my children, foodstuff, and other household goods at KES 18000. In addition, I spent the remaining amount on paying school fees for my five primary school kids. I am grateful for all the changes I made with the support and am hopeful that I will keep doing more from where I am at the moment.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($480 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was at the shopping centre, I had gone to buy some household items, when I heard my phone ringing, Upon checking my phone to see what the message was all about, that was when I realised that I had received a sum of KES 55,000 from GiveDirectly, words cannot explain how happy I was, I knew that all the plans that I had would be accomplished in good time, On reaching home I shared the good news with my wife who was overwhelmed with joy, I am so happy for the support that I received.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
My daily life is different, in that I managed to purchase a dairy cow which I had been yearning for so long, it is like a dream come true, my kids have a surplus of milk for their daily consumption, seeing my children happy melts my heart, I feel happy and fulfilled as a dad. I am forever grateful for the support that changed my life positively lifting our living standards.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a consistent farmer, married and blessed with five children, I had always owned a dairy cow to cut down the cost of buying milk daily which was becoming expensive day in day out, but unfortunately, I was unable to purchase due to unreliable sources of income, thus upon receiving the transfer I used KES 40,000 in purchasing a dairy cow, I then used the remaining amount in buying clothes for my children, I am so happy for the great milestone that I have achieved in a short time.
Enrolled
access_time almost 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My ambition has been to have more than one dairy cow .This is because owning two or three cows will help in terms of constant availability of milk.When the one cow I have stops lactating I am forced to buy 2 litres of milk daily at a cost of KES 50 per litre. Being a father of 5 children and buying milk for them to consume is expensive as compared to the amount of money I earn .This transfers will enable me buy one extra cow at a cost of KES 45000.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The maize yields we harvested in the past 6 months has given me happiness.This is because I foresee a condition of food security for my family in the next 3 months.We harvested an approximate of 5 sacks of maize from our piece of land.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
Financial instability is the biggest challenge am currently facing.I lost my job last year at Tea estate due to retrenchment. Finding another job at this time of the pandemic has been hectic for me to an extend that I have to engage in casual jobs within the village.This jobs include digging up of boreholes ,fencing and doing farm activities.These activities are seasonal and therefore I earn an average of KES 500 a day.This amount is insufficient to meet my family and sometimes we forego lunch in order to have a good meal at super.
