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?
My plan for this year and the years to come is to plant grass on another piece of land that I own. This will provide a steady source of pasture for my animals, ensuring they have enough to eat throughout the year. In addition to feeding my livestock, I will also be able to harvest the grass seeds and sell them, creating another stream of income for my family. The thought of this plan coming to reality fills me with satisfaction because it will not only improve my standard of living but also make my farming more sustainable. I am excited about the future and the opportunities this will bring for me and my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
What I like about GiveDirectly is how organized they are, which makes it easy for us to understand their process and trust them. Their transparency and fairness stood out, as they didn’t show any bias in how they handled things. However, I have noticed that some people in my village haven’t been enrolled yet. My recommendation is for GiveDirectly to follow up and inquire if these individuals truly qualify for the program, as they might need the support too. Overall, I appreciate their work and hope more people can benefit from it.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Upon receiving $450 from GiveDirectly, I was filled with happiness and gratitude because they sent the transfer without delay, allowing me to move forward with my plans. I used $360 to buy a cow, as I previously didn't have one. This will help me cut down on the cost of buying milk, which will be very beneficial for my family in the long run.
With $73, I invested in farming by purchasing bean seeds that I had already planted on one acre of land. This amount also allowed me to service my water pump, which I will use for irrigation. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I can get back into farming, and with irrigation, I know this will be a sustainable way to provide for my family. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to improve my livelihood.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18240 KES ($142 USD)
access_time 3 months ago
attach_money
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was around 3 pm, and I was out in the field watering my maize when I heard my phone beep with a message notification. Curious, I pulled it out to check, and to my surprise, I saw that the transfers from GiveDirectly had come through. The joy I felt at that moment was indescribable—I immediately rushed to tell my wife, and she was just as thrilled as I was. I knew then that I could finally repair my motorbike, which would make it so much easier to transport our maize to the designated drying area while we waited for the Kenya Seed Company to come and collect it.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before receiving the cash from GiveDirectly, my motorbike was in such bad shape that it was useless lying at home. The thought of the high transport costs for getting my maize and vegetables to the drying area was daunting. But with the transfers, I was able to repair the motorbike, and now moving around is so much easier. I could transport my maize to the drying area without any hassle, and I could go there daily to spread it out properly. This has ensured that my maize meets the required quality standards, something I couldn’t have managed before.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I received the cash transfer, the first thing I did was allocate $96 to repair my motorbike. It had been lying useless and was in dire need of maintenance, and since I rely on it to transport vegetables from my farm to the market, it was essential to get it fixed. Without it, I couldn't efficiently take my produce to sell, nor could I transport my maize to the designated drying area. With the repairs done, I could continue my work without disruptions, ensuring that I made the most out of my harvests. I then used $40 to pay for my daughter’s school fees in Grade 6 and attends a boarding school. With this payment, I could focus on other pressing needs without worrying about her education being interrupted. It gave me peace of mind knowing that she could continue her studies without any financial hiccups. Lastly, I spent $13 on sacks needed for maize harvesting. These sacks are crucial for storing the maize safely and preventing any post harvest losses. After that, I used the remaining money to pay for labor during the maize harvesting process. Hiring help was necessary to ensure that the harvesting was done efficiently and timely. The cash transfer helped me manage these essential tasks, which are vital for my family’s well-being.
Enrolled
access_time 5 months ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
Purchasing milk for the household has been financially straining, especially since it is a basic necessity, crucial for our growing family. Despite having a farm where I could raise a dairy cow, I have not been able to afford one due to our financial constraints. Our family of six relies on farming, casual jobs, and charcoal burning for income, all of which goes towards providing food with nothing left to save. With GiveDirectly's transfers, I now have a sigh of relief and a plan to improve our situation. I intend to spend $350 to purchase a dairy cow, which will provide milk for my family. Additionally, I plan to spend $100 to service my motorcycle so it can assist in transporting our farm produce to the market on time, ensuring we maximize our income from farming. Another $50 will go towards servicing our water pump, crucial for irrigating our farm. Lastly, I plan to use $150 to construct a new latrine, as our previous one was destroyed by floods, leaving us to use makeshift solutions like bushes.These investments are essential for improving our daily living conditions and ensuring that our family's basic needs are met more sustainably in the future.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Late last year, I planted maize on my 1.5-acre piece of land, which I was fortunate to harvest in January 2024. As a family of six dependent on farming for our livelihood, this harvest was crucial for us. Despite the hardships of irrigating the farm, I am grateful that we succeeded in producing enough food for the household. It is a relief to have this source of sustenance, especially considering the uncertainties and challenges we faced throughout the growing season. This harvest not only provides food but also a sense of security and stability for my family. Moving forward, I am hopeful that we can continue to overcome obstacles and sustain ourselves through farming.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
When the floods hit my village Longewan, they swept away our maize farm along the shores of the river Perkerra. With farming as our sole source of income for our family of six, I had to shift our cultivation to our compound to ensure we could still provide food for everyone.Now, the challenge we face is irrigating this new farm. The water channels are quite far, so I need to use a water pump. I already own one, but the problem is the high cost of fuel. In a typical month, I have to irrigate five times, which adds up to $40 in fuel expenses. This is a significant burden because I have to take on casual jobs on other farms to raise this money, and those jobs are hard to come by. Sometimes, I even resort to charcoal burning just to make ends meet. It is a tough situation, but I am hopeful that with some adjustments and support, we can navigate through this difficult time and ensure our family's food security without compromising our financial stability.
