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
55000 KES ($484 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
"The land of Bomet is one of the most dry areasin Kenya due to drought. I have always dreamt of buying water tank to help me stock water for the family during dry seasons. I knew that when I buy the water tank my family would no longer goes without water during dry season. In our village almost every one is keeping livestock. Livestock keeping is the main source of livelihood and income in Siongorie village. I had always dream of even one cow for the family. So the new goals that I had before receiving this transfers was buying a water tank and some cattle."
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
"I am a happy recipient of GiveDirectly. My life changed since I received the transfer. I am the happiest soul ever in my lineage. Who ever fails to see the work of GiveDirectly must be suffering from some problems. GiveDirectly has done a very good job in our community of Siongirie. GiveDirectly has improved the life of the less prevelege in the community. Many now owns land, home and livestock in Siongirie village. We are so happy with GiveDirectly services to us. Our children has got the opportunity to quench their thirst for education as well. Thank you GiveDirectly."
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
"The transfers really helped me a lot. I used to work as a saloonist when the income I was earning was not even enough to support the family needs. Many occasions we could go without food. The outbreak of COVID-19 made the situation worse. We shifted from three day meal to one day meal. My daughter has been sleeping in the ground without a bed. I'm several occasions she suffered from common cold. Thank to GiveDirectly for blessing our lives with the transfer. I bought one cow for KES 25,000, water tank for KES 18,200. I used KES 5000 to make my little daughter a bed, a mattress, blankets blankets and bedcovers. The remaining KES 5,000 I shopped food for the family."
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received my transfer, I was preparing to step out to the salon, when I heard my phone ringing and vibrating loudly, Upon checking I saw a Mpesa notification message showing that I had received money from GiveDirectly, I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness, I knew that I would be able to add stock to my business and also manage to fence my land, words cannot express how happy I was, I am grateful to have received the support from GiveDirectly that changed my living standards.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
I am so relieved and happy that I was able to save my business which was on the verge of collapsing because I did not have enough money to maintain the place, I am grateful that I was able to solve the problem with the transfer that I received, In addition to that, I managed to fence my piece of land to avoid intruders passing by during the day when I am not around and also for security purposes. I am so grateful for the support that brought so much happiness to my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a hairdresser and a single mother of one, For a long time now I have been depending on my salon business to earn a living, but unfortunately, it was on the verge of collapsing because it was the only source of income that I depended on, Therefore, I used my first transfer in stocking up my business where I used KES 20,000. In addition to that, I fenced my land to avoid intruders passing by, Lastly, I bought foodstuffs with the remaining transfer. I am humbled and happy that I was able to accomplish so much within a short period. The support that I got from GiveDirectly lifted my life to a higher level and I am thankful for it,
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
I dropped out of school in form three sometime in 2019. By bad luck I became pregnant and had to leave school to give birth and to take care of my child. That was the lowest point in my life, so humiliating and heart breaking. I became a disgrace to my family. I picked up myself later in 2017 and started a small salon in the nearby Siongiroi Market. My son is now in class six and I want the best for him now that I did not manage to proceed with my studies. I am so elated with the transfers from Give directly since the future of my son is now certain. I intend to purchase a heifer and dairy cow worth KES 50000. This means that I will be able to produce enough milk for sale and be able to educate my son. I will use the rest of the money to buy stock for my salon.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I am so happy because of the good health I have been having in the last 6 months. It has been a privilege for me, I have never missed going to attend to my business because of sickness. I thank God for that.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest challenge I face right now is the lack of enough disposable income for use.Given that I am a single mother of one , I have no one to support me. The little I get goes towards of purchase food. It is a real struggle , I trek to and from work just to save the one I could have used for fare for other household usage.
