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 ($519 USD)
access_time almost 5 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before the coming of GiveDirectly, I was hiring oxen to plough my farm during the planting season and paying for this service was costly. However, my life is now different in that I now have my own pair of oxen for ploughing my farm. I am no longer hiring from anyone. I had also acquired a plot of land and my plan was to build a rental house, but I had not yet completed the payment. It's only through this transfer that I was able to clear the cost, and I am now in full possession of the plot. Soon I will be purchasing building materials to begin the construction. This is an investment which I will be earning a good income.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in the fulfilment of its objective of alleviating poverty. I can attest to this that our lives have greatly changed since receiving this money. We were able to acquire some things that seemed impossible to us. Some of us could not afford to pay for their children's school fees, others could not afford the basic needs such as shelter and foodstuffs. Ever since receiving this financial help, fulfilling them has never been a problem to us. We also own assets like livestock. To us this is a big achievement. I don't see anything that GiveDirectly doesn't do well as far as the financial support is concerned.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I had acquired a plot of land which I was planning to buy enough building materials in order to construct a rental house which would generate income through the monthly rental income. However, I wasn't able to complete the payment of this plot, thus I could not accomplish my goals. When I received my second transfer, I took KES 30000 and settled the balance. I am happy that I am now in full possession of the plot. In addition to this, I also spent KES 15000 to purchase five goats which I am currently rearing in my homestead. I am expecting them to reproduce and increase in number and have many of them. I will be having some assets that can help me out in case of a financial need.I spent the remaining amount to cater for my household expenses and also buying foodstuffs for my family.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($548 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference is that now I have acquired a plot that for a long time, I have not been able to clear the outstanding balance. It is only through the GiveDirectly money that enabled me to clear and I now possess it. I am planning to build a rental house so that from it, I will be earning an income.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I received the notification in the morning when I was ready for the day's tasks. On checking to confirm, It was from GiveDirectly notifying me that I had received my first transfer. I was very happy for the transfer and I felt peaceful and freedom deep inside me on the thought that now I will be in a position to clear my outstanding debt on my plot.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I solely depend on agriculture for the provision of food for my family. Once the harvest is good, then the burden of buying food elsewhere is cut off. To achieve this, I spent part of my first transfer to buy a pair of oxen in order to boost my farming since I have been hiring from my neighbours which was very expensive for me. Getting my own pair of oxen means that I will do timely farming and early cultivation including increasing my acreage for better harvest. I will no longer hire from my fellow villagers and instead I will be hiring to them, which means an income to me. In addition to these, I had a plot which I had not completed its payment. Thus on receiving the transfer, I paid for the remaining balance and I am now in full possession of it. I am planning to construct a building that will be spacious enough to rent for businesses and shops. The rent will be a good source of income which will enable me to invest more in viable opportunities.
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My desire is to own livestock because they are viewed as a source of wealth and prestige. Therefore, with this transfer I will purchase cows and goats for rearing. The cows will produce milk which I will sell at the local market to generate income. Once the animals multiply, I will also sell them and be able to save extra cash. Through these savings I will educate my two year old son in future without much difficulty.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Waking up healthy makes morning the happiest part of my day. This is because I am always energetic enough to undertake my daily activities such as household chores and farm duties. It also gives the hope of a successful day to build my future.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
My husband sells water in Mombasa, a source of income that we solely depend on. This job is unreliable and does not provide enough money to sustain the family. He supports me with only 500 shillings in a month, an amount that is unable to cater for food, medical and clothing needs for the family. In line to this, I consider financial constraint as my biggest hardship.
